"Not just small men" - how healthcare is failing women, and what can be done

About this episode

Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men and are 50% more likely to die of a heart attack than a male patient. The statistics are staggering - but there are some relatively simple and cost-effective ways healthcare systems can improve the situation. Lucy Perez of the McKinsey Health Institute sets out the challenges and talks us through these potential solutions. Links: CARE for Women: Investing in Care Delivery to Improve Women's Lives and Livelihoods: https://www.weforum.org/publications/care-for-women-investing-in-care-delivery-to-improve-womens-lives-and-livelihoods/ Blog: CARE for Women: A high-impact investment in health system redesign: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/05/women-health-care-framework-mckinsey-wef/ Centre for Health and Healthcare: https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-health-and-healthcare/home McKinsey Health Institute: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/overview Related podcasts: Below the Belt: the movie that lifts the taboo on endometriosis: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/endometriosis-below-the-belt-movie/ Bridging the gap in women's health research, policy and innovation: Kearney: https://