COTONOU, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The first International Congress on African Women's Health concluded on Friday in Benin's economic capital of Cotonou, with participants calling for greater investment in research to address persistent inequalities in women's health across Africa.
The three-day congress, held under the theme "Equity Challenges in Women's Health Research," brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, academics, policymakers, development partners and civil society representatives. Discussions focused on issues including gender-based violence, migration and health, sexual and reproductive health, and cancers affecting women.
Clemence Schantz, chair of the organizing committee, said research on women's health remains underfunded and receives insufficient global attention, particularly when it comes to African women. She urged governments and development partners to invest more in research that responds to the continent's health needs.
Benin's Minister of Health Benjamin Hounkpatin said less than 10 percent of global research funding is devoted to women's health, while fewer than 2 percent of clinical trials directly involve African women. He called on participants to formulate evidence-based recommendations to help guide public policy and future investment.
Huguette Bokpe Gnacadja, president of Benin's National Women's Institute, said women's health is not only a medical issue but also a matter of social justice and development, stressing the need to ensure accessible, safe and culturally appropriate healthcare for women. ■
