Latest news with #womenhealth
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
In the time of aid cuts, decentralise women's health funding
Young people understand social media dynamics, peer-to-peer communication and community mobilisation in ways that can be used improve health services. Photo: Bulungula Incubator As global health budgets tighten and The current funding crisis presents an opportunity to address a fundamental mismatch: while young people comprise up to two-thirds of the population in many regions of the Global South, they remain severely underrepresented in governance and decision-making processes. This reality, combined with resource constraints, makes a compelling case for decentralising funding and placing resources directly in the hands of young entrepreneurs and innovators in local communities. When it comes to health initiatives, young people bring distinct advantages: fresh perspectives, technological know-how and a commitment to social justice. They are less bound by established practices and more willing to challenge outdated paradigms; like those that have long overlooked the critical place for integrating psychosocial support and disability-inclusive approaches into their work. When it comes to women's health, this translates to innovative approaches to menstrual health education, combating child marriage and addressing adolescent pregnancy. Young leaders also understand social media dynamics, peer-to-peer communication, and community mobilisation in ways that can be leveraged for health promotion and advocacy. When we exclude them from leadership roles, we waste this potential. When I founded She Writes Woman to transform mental health stigma across West Africa, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of locally-led initiatives. With no mental healthcare at primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, and taking into consideration the specific barriers women face in accessing care, we understood that our communities needed access to quality care irrespective of location and a safe online community for education and engagement. So, we launched Safe Place Nigeria, a 24/7 toll-free helpline, free and unlimited teletherapy, and a digital community for mental health support. This wasn't theoretical knowledge from reports — it was experience translated into action. In my own work I take inspiration from a host of women and young people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East making meaningful change in their communities — advocating for healthcare capacity building and leading innovative solutions to the persisting health problems they are facing. These leaders don't need foreign experts to tell them what their communities need; they need resources, support and the freedom to implement solutions they've developed from within. Consider the remarkable work of Jaha Dukureh, who in her twenties played an instrumental role in the banning of female genital mutilation in The Gambia. Her success was rooted in her deep understanding of cultural dynamics, her ability to mobilise communities and her courage to challenge entrenched practices. This is the kind of transformative leadership that emerges when we trust local actors to drive change. The most important shift required is recognising young people as essential leaders in women's health rather than just beneficiaries. This means acknowledging that lived experience — whether of gender-based violence, disability, reproductive health problems or mental health conditions — constitutes expertise that no amount of external training can replicate. It means directing funding to youth leaders, recognising their existing initiatives, and creating long-term support rather than one-off interventions. I've recently launched a scholarship to do just this. By providing grant funding up to $25,000 to ambitious young people working on women's health problems in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, we're putting resources directly into emerging leaders' hands. The scholarship includes participation in the One Young World Summit and lifelong membership in its Ambassador Community, recognising that sustainable change requires both financial support and ongoing collaboration networks. Decentralising women's health funding isn't just about efficiency or cost-effectiveness, though it delivers on both fronts. It's about sustainability and respect for local leaders who understand their communities' needs most intimately. It recognises that the people closest to problems are often closest to solutions, and that sustainable change must be owned and driven by those who will live with its consequences. In a world of constrained budgets and complex challenges, backing local leadership isn't just the right thing to do — it's the practical choice. The young women leading health initiatives in their communities today are already creating change. Our job is to ensure they have the resources and support to lead. Hauwa Ojeifo was selected by Melinda French Gates in 2024 as one of 12 global leaders to receive $20 million for her work on women's health. Ojeifo is investing this funding in young leaders tackling the most pressing problems facing women and girls with The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship in collaboration with One Young World.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
I feared my baby was dead and wanting to end my life - while I was pregnant: Doctors reveal the disturbing rise of prenatal depression, why thousands of women are affected - and the red flags to watch out for
Pregnant with a longed-for child, Kerry Clifford expected to feel a sense of elation. She had endured three miscarriages and an ovarian ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg develops outside the uterus, and so Kerry was initially relieved when her fourth pregnancy 'stuck'. But that relief was soon replaced by wretched feelings of despair.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Organon & Co. (OGN) Restructures, Expands in Women's Health and Biosimilars
We recently published Organon & Co stands tenth on our list and has expanded in women's health and biosimilars. Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN), a global healthcare company specializing in women's health, biosimilars, and established brands, underwent major changes in 2025. On May 1, the company slashed its quarterly dividend from $0.28 to $0.02 per share (annualized from $1.12 to $0.08) to prioritize debt reduction following its $1.2 billion acquisition of Dermavant in late 2024. This shift led to a 27% drop in stock price and a shareholder lawsuit alleging securities fraud due to prior reassurances about maintaining the dividend. In April, Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) laid off 93 employees at its Jersey City headquarters, part of an ongoing global restructuring that began in 2023 and impacted around 5% of the workforce in early 2025. The restructuring responds partly to the loss of exclusivity for Atozet, the company's second-largest product, which saw sales drop 9% in 2024, with continued decline expected. A robotic arm picking up a product assembly line, displaying the company's consumer healthcare and wellness offerings. That same month, the corporation acquired U.S. commercial rights to TOFIDENCE, a biosimilar to ACTEMRA (tocilizumab), from Biogen, expanding its immunology biosimilars portfolio. Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) will pay upfront fees, royalties, and milestone payments, while Bio-Thera Solutions retains U.S. manufacturing rights. TOFIDENCE enters a competitive space alongside Celltrion's Avtozma and Fresenius Kabi's Tyenne. On June 12, the business partnered with Evvy to increase access to XACIATO (clindamycin phosphate) vaginal gel 2%, reaffirming its women's health focus. Its flagship product, Nexplanon, posted 14% growth last quarter. In leadership news, Ramona A. Sequeira, President at Takeda, will join the company's Board on July 1, serving on the Talent Committee, as the company continues its strategic transformation. While we acknowledge the potential of OGN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Women being hit hardest by NHS delays as treatment backlogs grow across key services
WOMEN are being short-changed by the NHS and make up most of the waiting list, official figures show. New data from NHS England show that 57 per cent of patients waiting for treatment are female while 43 per cent are male. 2 Women are waiting for 3.9million treatments, a million more than the 2.9m listed for men, while the remainder are uncategorised. Female patients also wait longer than males as statistics show they are less likely to be treated within the 18-week target time and more likely to wait over a year. Gynaecology, which looks after women's reproductive health, has the longest waiting list of any single department for working age people. Professor Ranee Thakar, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'This data is a vital step in addressing the postcode lottery in gynaecology care. 'Delays can lead to a need for more complex treatment and significantly impact women's health, wellbeing, and daily lives. 'We know that our members are working tirelessly to deliver more appointments and so it is encouraging to see waiting lists begin to fall in recent months.' Overall, the NHS figures show patients living in working class areas, and those from black or Asian backgrounds, are more likely to face long waits. In a blow to the economy, 56 per cent of waiters are of working age – more than 3.5million people, with many unable to work while they wait. Ear, nose and throat clinics have the biggest backlogs, with 616,000 procedures due to be completed. Ophthalmology and gynaecology both account for over 500,000 each, while cardiology and dermatology both have waiting lists of more than 400,000. Wes Streeting brutally slams Kemi AND Farage and demands Tories say sorry for how they ran the NHS in blistering attack Sharon Brennan, of National Voices, said: 'Being honest with the public is an important step to winning back the trust of communities who often feel unheard and sometimes unwanted.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Only by being upfront and shining a light on inequalities can we begin to tackle the problem.'
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Myleene Klass cuts a chic figure in a white power suit as she celebrates her MBE with famous pals Christine Lampard and Nicole and Natalie Appleton
Myleene Klass celebrated receiving her MBE with a bash at Gymkhana in London on Wednesday where she was joined by celeb pals Christine Lampard and Nicole and Natalie Appleton. The former Hear'Say star, 47, who was honoured for her services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity, looked incredible in a crisp white power suit layered over a pale pink lace cami. She added a touch of height with white pointed heels and proudly sported her red MBE brooch during the stylish celebrations. TV presenter Christine, 46, looked effortlessly elegant in a black halterneck maxi dress teamed with black open-toe heels, as she posed alongside her close friend. Also showing their support were former All Saints singers Nicole and Natalie Appleton. Natalie, 52, oozed sophistication in a baby pink paisley-print dress paired with striking orange platform heels. Her younger sister Nicole, 50, opted for a more laid-back look, teaming a white graphic-print tee with a cream blazer and wide-leg blue denim jeans. Myleene's daughter, Ava Bailey Quinn, 17, also joined the celebrations. She donned a red rose-print dress as she beamed with pride next to her mum. She was joined by Ava Klass, who stunned in a blue backless tie-up dress for the occasion. Also in attendance were actress Tina Hobley, DJ Lauren Laverne, presenter Vanessa Feltz, and journalist Kate Thornton. Tina put on a leggy display in a chic black playsuit and heels as she larked about with party props, while Lauren turned heads in a vibrant red high-neck dress with flared cuffs. Vanessa opted for a summery pink floral number with draped detailing, and Kate kept things playful in a bold blue power suit layered over a yellow smiley-face T-shirt. Myleene's youngest son, Apollo, five, looked adorable in a navy blue suit and rose gold tie as he posed proudly with his mum. Myleene was officially honoured with her MBE during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier that day. Myleene has campaigned for paid bereavement leave to be extended to those who experience a miscarriage. The mother of three suffered four miscarriages and has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women. She is an ambassador for the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's and fronted the Bafta-nominated documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage And Me in 2021, in which she met women around the UK to hear their experiences. Myleene has said she is 'so proud' of how far she has come and reflected on how she had battled back 'from a very dark place'. Talking to the BBC earlier this year, she said: 'When I think back to how all of this started, it all came from a very dark place, and I certainly didn't have it in mind to become a campaigner at the time. 'Anyone who has experienced baby loss will know how personal and difficult it is to vocalise this level of trauma.' Myleene has championed changes to the Women's Health Strategy, advocating for earlier support for women rather than waiting until they have experienced three miscarriages. Her efforts have focused on improving miscarriage care and raising awareness about the emotional and heartbreaking toll of baby loss. The musician has used her platform to push for government reforms and has played a key role in ensuring baby loss is addressed as a critical health issue. She added: 'If you suffered three heart attacks, you wouldn't only be offered support after the third one, and so it shouldn't be the same with baby loss'. The former Hear'Say singer's work has been widely praised for its impact on breaking the silence around miscarriage and offering hope and support to other women. Myleene has been working with MP Sarah Owen, MP Olivia Blake, Miscarriage Association, and Tommys for a law to be introduced so that women and their partners would be able to take leave. In March, Myleene fought back the tears on Loose Women as they congratulated her on her MBE. At the start of the episode of the ITV show, Christine shared the news that she had been given the outstanding achievement. Myleene explained: 'It's for my services to miscarriage. 'So it feels really important, but because it is that subject matter, all that work understandably feels really sad and really heavy.' The singer has been busy working behind the scenes to help educate young boys and girls about fertility. Christine praised her highly for the work that she's doing and said to Myleene: 'Your work has been amazing. 'To hear all of these big names, including The King, seeing the word miscarriage and know it something you're working on and that we're dealing with. It's fantastic.' Myleene replied: 'You're going to make me cry!' The star is a proud mum to three kids, five-year-old son Apollo, with fiancé Simon Motson and her two daughters, Ava, 17, and Hero, 13, with her ex-husband Graham Quinn.
