The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a five-year, $2.5 billion commitment to support research and development (R&D) focused on women’s health innovation. This is the foundation’s largest ever investment in women’s health R&D, aimed at advancing over 40 innovations in critical areas such as obstetric care, maternal health, and contraceptive development.
The majority of funding – 60% – will focus on obstetric care, with projects also targeting gynecological health, immunization, and sexually transmitted infections. The initiative prioritizes breakthroughs such as research into the vaginal microbiome, first-in-class treatments for preeclampsia, and non-hormonal contraception.
The foundation’s goal is to address long-standing issues in women’s health that have been misunderstood or ignored, with Anita Zaidi, president of the Gates Foundation’s gender equality division, stating, “We want this investment to spark a new era of women-centered innovation.” A significant portion of funds will support data generation and advocacy efforts to ensure product uptake and impact upon approval.
Source: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/gates-foundation-commits-2.5-billion-to-women-s-health-r-d