Women’s health is no longer just a personal issue. It is increasingly seen as a driving force behind economic growth and environmental sustainability. This was the central message at the recent She Matters: Women’s Health Summit, where leaders across healthcare and policy came together to push for stronger action and awareness.
Hosted by Merck at Conrad Manila, the event brought into focus how investing in women’s wellbeing creates far-reaching benefits that extend beyond individuals to families, communities, and even the planet.
A Unified Call for Women’s Health Advocacy
Now in its second year, the summit gathered doctors, policymakers, and advocates under the theme “Healthy Women, Healthy Economy, Healthy Planet.” The goal was clear: to strengthen collaboration and drive meaningful change in how women’s health is addressed across all stages of life.
In her remarks, Martha Paiz, Managing Director and General Manager of Merck Inc., emphasized that the conversation goes beyond healthcare. She highlighted that when women thrive, entire societies benefit, reinforcing the need to prioritize their health and voices in both public and private sectors.
Why Cardiometabolic Health Deserves More Attention
One of the major discussions centered on cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Experts noted that these issues are increasingly affecting women at younger ages, yet often go undiagnosed.
Because symptoms can be subtle or atypical, many women only discover these conditions when complications like heart disease or stroke arise. This makes early screening and awareness critical in preventing long-term health risks.
Healthcare leaders at the summit stressed that proactive detection and treatment could significantly improve outcomes and reduce the burden of these diseases.
The Link Between Women’s Health and Economic Growth
Beyond medical concerns, the summit highlighted a powerful idea: healthy women are essential to a thriving economy.
Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. explained that when women are physically and mentally well, they are better able to contribute as professionals, caregivers, and leaders. Investing in women’s health, she noted, is not just a social responsibility but a strategic economic move that benefits entire communities.
Thyroid Health: A Silent but Serious Issue
Another key focus was thyroid health, a condition that disproportionately affects women but often remains overlooked.
Despite its small size, the thyroid gland plays a major role in regulating metabolism, energy, fertility, and even mood. Subtle symptoms like fatigue or weight changes can easily be dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Experts including Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr. emphasized the importance of early screening, especially during pregnancy, to protect both mother and child. Meanwhile, Dr. Jeremy Robles pointed out the need to recognize thyroid disorders as part of broader noncommunicable disease strategies to improve awareness and access to care.
Environmental Health and Its Impact on Women
The summit also explored a growing concern: how environmental factors affect women’s health.
Exposure to microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, now commonly found in food, water, and air, may interfere with hormonal balance. These disruptions can potentially impact fertility, metabolism, and thyroid function.
According to Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, the concept of planetary health highlights how closely human health is tied to environmental conditions. Addressing pollution and climate change is therefore essential to preventing future health issues.
Building Climate-Resilient, Women-Centered Health Systems
The conversation also extended to the need for climate-resilient healthcare systems. Public health leaders stressed that women should be at the center of these efforts.
Dr. Ronald Law from the Department of Health shared that protecting women’s health strengthens families and communities, making it a critical component of long-term sustainability.
More Than a Summit: A Call to Action
At its core, the She Matters Summit was not just about sharing insights. It was about driving real change.
By bridging healthcare, policy, and environmental advocacy, the event underscored the need for a more holistic approach to women’s health. From hospitals to workplaces and government policies, the message was clear: women’s health must be prioritized everywhere.
As awareness continues to grow, initiatives like this signal a shift toward more inclusive and forward-thinking healthcare systems.
With rising health challenges and environmental concerns, the urgency to act has never been greater. The summit serves as a timely reminder that improving women’s health is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact across multiple sectors.
For readers, this is also a call to stay informed, prioritize regular health screenings, and support initiatives that advocate for women’s wellbeing. Because when women are healthier, everyone benefits.