DUBAI: Imagine this: A woman in her 40s begins experiencing subtle but troubling changes — mood swings, irregular cycles, unexplained fatigue. She hesitates to contact a doctor, worried her concerns might be dismissed or misunderstood.
For many women undergoing menopause, this is a reality that makes navigating this chapter in life especially challenging. Globally, only about one in five women feel well-informed about menopause, a critical transition that every woman will experience. This lack of awareness leads to gaps in care, with broader implications for society.
Access to credible health information empowers women to better understand their bodies, seek the support they may need, and confidently navigate the changes that come with menopause. However, women everywhere face unique challenges in accessing trusted health advice and care. Many do not feel able to openly discuss reproductive health, menopause or other sensitive topics. This can impact the uptake of healthcare services, with many women in the Middle East not seeking care due to their concern for modesty and privacy.[iii]
But change is underway. In the Middle East and around the world, women’s health is moving up the agenda — through new initiatives that challenge stigma, close information gaps and give women the clarity, support and confidence they need.
Technology is fast becoming a lifeline for millions of women, with telehealth use in the Middle East booming by 251 percent within two years of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. It’s a trend that’s here to stay. From telemedicine apps offering expert advice to digital communities designed to support women, so-called “FemTech” — where technology meets empathy to fill a critical gap in healthcare— is helping women to access care and support.
Across the region, fertility and hormonal health apps are booming, helping women monitor their reproductive health, make informed decisions about family planning, as well as seek support. Also, telemedicine services offering hybrid remote and in-person care services tailored to women’s needs have gained popularity.
Ultimately, it’s about creating lasting impact. That resonates strongly with me and everyone at Abbott – our mission is to help people live their best lives, now and in the future. That’s why we are proud to drive innovation by celebrating local start-up initiatives, for example, through our Innovate4Health Challenge, won this year by Nawat Health. Nawat Health is a great example of using technology to create meaningful, lasting impact, fulfilling its mission to empower women through knowledge and empathy.
Such resources can provide more than information. Nawat Health is a “safe space” created by and for women in the Middle East, offering confidential, one-on-one consultations with vetted experts on reproductive health and menopause, along with evidence-based health education resources in Arabic and English. These tools not only inform but also empower women to engage in topics on their own terms.
Evidence shows that digital tools delivered in local languages and contexts can help women to make more informed decisions, adopt healthier lifestyles, and improve overall wellbeing.
The benefits go beyond the individual, helping to reduce long-standing disparities in access to care, which is not only right, but beneficial for wider society. Eliminating the 25 percent more time that women live in poor health compared to men would add an estimated $1 trillion per year to the global economy by 2040 by enabling greater productivity in workforces and communities.
At Abbott, advancing women’s health has been a core focus of our work across the Middle East and beyond. We do this through the high-quality healthcare and nutrition solutions that support women at every life stage. We reinforce our efforts with awareness and education campaigns, for example, in Saudi Arabia, by raising awareness of menopause among healthcare professionals to help normalize conversations on the topic.
Momentum is growing in the region. National policies and initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global and regional strategies from the WHO, make women’s health a priority. The transformation is also happening at the individual level — with each woman who is empowered to take control of her own health.
Digital solutions are supporting this empowerment, providing women with the confidence and freedom to shape their futures. We should all be able to make informed decisions about our health.
Let’s keep the momentum to ensure more women can access the information, support and care that they need.
Nadine Bou Aoun is medical affairs director for Gulf and emerging markets at Abbott
