We are stepping up.
Despite its importance, women’s health and nutrition have long been overlooked and underfunded. Today, global nutrition accounts for less than even 1% of global foreign aid. 1
This is unacceptable.
The WTA Foundation
Global Women’s Health Fund
In collaboration with inaugural donor Hologic, we are launching the WTA Foundation Global Women’s Health Fund to support better health and nutrition for women worldwide.
The Fund mobilizes resources for life-saving women’s health and nutrition products and services that are readily available in high-income countries but are difficult to access or altogether unavailable in low- and middle-income countries.
Sitina sits with her daughter, Semira, in Ethiopia. © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/ Mulugeta Ayene
Our Impact
In its first year, the Fund will focus on increasing access to prenatal vitamins in low- and middle-income countries. Prenatal vitamins are low-cost and high-impact, with huge benefits for two lives—mom and baby.
Every dollar raised through the Fund will be directed toward the UNICEF-led Child Nutrition Fund. UNICEF, a leader in global health and nutrition, has the global footprint and local partnerships to bring products and services directly into the hands of women in need around the world.
Maheshwori Devi with her family in Nepal. © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/ Toni Greaves
Why prenatal vitamins?
The power of prenatal vitamins for women and children in low- and middle-income settings is astounding. When women take prenatal vitamins, it dramatically reduces the risk of stillbirth, newborn deaths, and babies being born small and vulnerable, and improves women’s health. 2
While most expectant moms in wealthy countries take prenatal vitamins throughout their pregnancies, fewer than one-in-ten women in low- and middle-income countries take a complete prenatal vitamin. 3
Together, we can change this.
We can provide women in low- and middle-income countries with the prenatal vitamins they need for the entire course of their pregnancy for as little as $2.50.
Prenatal Vitamins Save Lives
In malnourished women, prenatal vitamins reduce*:
*Compared to iron folic acid supplements-the current standard of care. 4
IN COLLABORATION WITH
“When women are healthy, they can pursue their ambitions and transform their communities—yet too many women in low- and middle-income countries face significant barriers to good health. Together with the WTA Foundation, we are shining a spotlight on this issue to make a tangible impact in the communities where we work.”
— Anita Zaidi
President of Gender Equality at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation