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Reimagining women’s health through addressing the silent burden of gynaecological conditions in Africa

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Participants of the Women’s Health Innovation (WHI) Workshop on Gynaecological Conditions taking place from 8-9 July 2025 in Nairobi Kenya.

The SFA Foundation is convening a two-day priority-setting workshop focused on three often-overlooked gynaecological conditions: heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and menopause. These conditions, though highly prevalent, continue to impact African women’s lives in silence, contributing to chronic pain, infertility, social stigma, emotional distress, and increased risk of other diseases.

Yet, in many African countries, data on their prevalence is scarce. Cultural stigma and systemic neglect have further widened the care gap.

This workshop brings together leading obstetrician-gynaecologists and other healthcare providers, infectious disease experts, patient advocates, ministry of health representatives, epidemiologists, programme managers, entrepreneurs and funders to collectively chart a path forward. Through evidence sharing, consensus building, and collaborative agenda setting, participants aim to:

  • Understand the burden and current care practices of the three conditions.
  • Identify gaps in diagnostics, treatment, and data systems.
  • Map a research and innovation pipeline.
  • Prioritise future investments and policy interventions.

By driving African-led solutions and evidence-informed action, this meeting marks a critical step toward advancing women’s health equity on the continent.