Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — Women around the world spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men, resulting in the loss of approximately 75 million healthy life-years each year, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute.

The report projects that closing this “gender health gap” could add at least $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040—equivalent to an average gain of seven extra healthy days per woman each year.

Researchers point to longstanding underinvestment in conditions that are either specific to women or predominantly affect them, including menopause, endometriosis, migraines, heart disease, and certain cancers. These conditions alone account for about one-third of the gender health gap and represent a $400 billion economic opportunity each year.

To address the disparity, the Global Alliance for Women’s Health was launched, backed by 42 organizations and $55 million in pledges. The alliance aims to coordinate efforts across sectors to reshape health systems and prioritize equitable care for women throughout their lives.

The report also highlights how outdated views that narrowly define women’s health as reproductive health continue to delay diagnosis and treatment. Conditions like endometriosis and premature menopause often go undiagnosed for years, with women’s symptoms overlooked or dismissed.

Investing in women’s health, the report argues, is not just a matter of justice—but a transformative economic strategy as countries work toward healthier and more inclusive societies.