How the system stands in the way of women’s health innovation

Bill Gates’ recent $2.5 billion commitment to women’s health represents an overdue and transformative investment.

But it’s not enough.

I’ve spent years leading innovation in maternal and infant health technology businesses globally, researching the barriers that keep these technologies from reaching widespread use, and experiencing their pitfalls as a parent. Through that work, I’ve learned foundations, no matter how visionary, cannot shoulder this burden alone.

Real change will require a concerted effort from all of us — researchers, clinicians, regulators, policymakers, and investors — working in alignment to change the system where women’s health innovations go to die, no matter how promising or well funded.

Building the future our children deserve is more like building a cathedra