International Women’s Day: Recognizing Women and Girls Role in Global Health
Women and girls are at the heart of global health and disease elimination efforts. From frontline healthcare workers to researchers, policymakers, and community advocates, they drive change, innovation, and progress in the fight against infectious diseases.
Globally, women make up 70% of the health and social care workforce[1], despite challenges and risks, they often serve as the front line of defense against diseases like malaria, polio, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Their dedication to communities, whether as midwives ensuring maternal and child health, scientists developing life-saving treatments, or activists advocating for health equity, has been instrumental in advancing public health outcomes. Women-led initiatives have played a pivotal role in mobilizing communities, increasing vaccine uptake, and improving access to essential healthcare services, particularly in low-resource settings.
Addressing these inequities is not just a matter of fairness, it is essential to accelerating disease elimination and improving health systems worldwide. When women are empowered in decision-making roles, health programs become more effective, inclusive, and sustainable, accelerating progress towards achieving health for all.
Empowering young girls to pursue careers in healthcare, research, and policy is key to sustaining progress in global health. By fostering mentorship opportunities, investing in STEM education, and creating inclusive work environments that ensure women have a seat and voice at the decision-making table, we can ensure that the next generation of women leaders continues to drive innovation and impact global health.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and contributions of women and girls who are shaping a healthier future for all. By investing in their education and leadership, we can build more inclusive, effective, and sustainable global health solutions. Recognizing that when women thrive, communities and entire health systems flourish.
[1] World Health Organization. (2019). Delivered by women, led by men: a gender and equity analysis of the global health and social workforce. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/311322. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
Dr Farida Al Hosani played a pivotal role in establishing the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in 2019, overseeing the development and implementation of strategic plans, and served as Executive Director for Infectious Diseases. Her leadership spans critical areas such as communicable disease preparedness, environmental health, safety, and vector control.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Farida served as the Official Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, providing critical updates and leading public health and vaccination initiatives. Her contributions were instrumental in the UAE’s globally recognized pandemic response.
In 2022, she became the first Emirati woman to join the WHO’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Advisory Group, where she currently serves as Chair, advising the WHO Director-General on global strategies for pandemic preparedness and response.
As a passionate advocate for innovation, research, and artificial intelligence in public health, Dr. Farida continues to contribute to infectious disease research and academic publications. She holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA, and a master’s degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the UAE National Defense College.
