Why women's health drives economic resilience

Why Early Diagnostics Are Key To Protecting Women’s Health And Economic Stability

Category: Healthcare and Economic Impact

Across South Africa, women are central to economic activity, contributing across sectors from healthcare and education to entrepreneurship and agriculture. As both primary earners and caregivers in many households, their wellbeing has far-reaching implications not only for families but for broader economic stability.

As highlighted by Merilynn Steenkamp, Managing Director for Southern Africa at Roche Diagnostics, recognising women’s contribution must include strengthening systems that protect their health — with early and reliable diagnostics playing a critical role.

The Economic Impact Of Women’s Health

When women experience illness, the consequences extend beyond individual health. Time away from work can disrupt income, productivity, and long-term career progression. For many women in informal employment, where job security and benefits are limited, illness can immediately reduce household earnings.

Women also make up a significant portion of South Africa’s health and social services workforce while carrying a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities. Globally, women reinvest a substantial portion of their income into their families and communities, reinforcing education, nutrition, and long-term resilience.

In this context, protecting women’s health is directly linked to protecting household stability and economic continuity.

The Burden Of Disease And The Role Of Early Detection

South Africa continues to face a dual burden of disease. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV remain prevalent, while non-communicable conditions including diabetes and cancer are on the rise.

Cervical cancer, in particular, remains one of the most common cancers affecting South African women. However, early detection dramatically improves outcomes, with survival rates exceeding 90 percent when diagnosed at an early stage. Late diagnosis, by contrast, significantly reduces survival chances.

Early and accurate diagnostics enable faster intervention, reduce complications, and limit the need for more complex and costly treatments. In the case of infectious diseases, early detection also helps reduce transmission within communities.

Strengthening Systems Through Diagnostic Capacity

South Africa already has a strong diagnostic foundation. The National Health Laboratory Service operates one of the largest laboratory networks in the region, supporting widespread testing capabilities.

Leveraging this infrastructure allows for the expansion of screening and early detection programmes in a way that is both scalable and aligned with national healthcare priorities. Advanced tools such as HPV testing, rapid HIV diagnostics, molecular tuberculosis testing, and integrated blood panels are helping to shorten the time between suspicion and diagnosis.

Reducing delays in diagnosis not only improves health outcomes but also supports workforce continuity and alleviates pressure on the healthcare system.

Investing In Women’s Health For Long Term Growth

In a country focused on strengthening economic resilience and workforce participation, prioritising early diagnostics is a practical and measurable investment. Supporting women’s health enables them to remain economically active, sustain their households, and contribute to broader societal stability.

Ultimately, improving access to early diagnostics is not only a healthcare priority — it is an economic one. By ensuring that women can access timely and accurate testing, South Africa strengthens its foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The message is simple: protecting women’s health begins with awareness and action. Encouraging regular health checks and early testing can have a lasting impact — for individuals, families, and the nation as a whole.