Global Report Unveils Strategies for Women's Blood Care: A Call to Action for Equitable Healthcare
In a groundbreaking report published in The Lancet Haematology, a team of experts has shed light on the critical need for improved blood care for women and girls worldwide. Led by Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow, the report highlights the stark disparities in hematological health between genders, emphasizing the urgent requirement for action. This comprehensive analysis, presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) 2026 Congress, serves as a wake-up call for the global healthcare community.
Unveiling the Gender Gap in Hematological Health
The report reveals a disturbing reality: women and girls face significant inequities in blood-related health. From higher rates of anemia to delayed diagnoses and undertreatment of bleeding disorders, the impact is profound. One of the most alarming findings is the delay in diagnosing bleeding disorders, with women waiting an average of 14 to 16 years for a diagnosis, compared to just two years for men. This gender disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Central Issue
Heavy menstrual bleeding, affecting up to one in three women, emerged as a central concern. Often the first sign of an inherited bleeding disorder, it is frequently dismissed or inadequately treated. The report calls for routine menstrual health assessments, the broader use of bleeding assessment tools, and improved referral pathways to ensure earlier recognition and care. This recommendation is particularly crucial in addressing the gender gap in diagnosis and treatment.
Ambitious Goals and Achievable Solutions
The commission set an ambitious goal to reduce the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis for women and girls with bleeding disorders to less than 24 months by 2035. While this target may seem challenging, the authors believe it is achievable through the integration of screening recommendations into major guidelines and the provision of clinician education. This approach could revolutionize the way bleeding disorders are managed globally.
A Call for Action: Closing the Gender Gap
The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to address the gender gaps in hematological health. Key recommendations include faster diagnosis of bleeding disorders, universal screening for heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency, standardized postpartum hemorrhage protocols, and personalized thrombosis care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These measures are essential to ensuring equitable, evidence-based care for women and girls.
The Way Forward: A Collective Effort
Dr. Samuelson Bannow underscores the potential for meaningful progress, stating that coordinated action across clinical care, research, and education can lead to more timely, effective, and equitable hematology care for women and girls worldwide. The report calls for updated clinical guidelines, increased inclusion of women in research, targeted education and prevention programs, and stronger investment in women's health. These actions are vital to closing the gender gap and ensuring that women receive the care they deserve.
In conclusion, this global report serves as a powerful reminder of the gender disparities in hematological health and the urgent need for action. By implementing the recommendations outlined, the healthcare community can take significant steps toward providing equitable and effective blood care for women and girls, ultimately improving health outcomes worldwide.
