In a world where women’s health remains riddled with systemic challenges, maternal healthcare disparities stand as a stark reminder of gaps that require urgent attention. At LSI Europe ’24, a panel of industry leaders, clinicians, and innovators delved into the multifaceted issues and promising solutions to ensure better care for mothers worldwide. With diverse perspectives ranging from venture capital to clinical practice, the discussion illuminated the role of innovation, data, and collaboration in addressing these critical disparities.

The State of Maternal Healthcare Disparities

The statistics surrounding maternal health are sobering. Andrew Pieprzyk, Vice President of Strategic Development at Hologic, shared, “Less than half of women in the EU were screened for high blood pressure last year and only 24% for diabetes, 20% for cancer, and 8% for STIs. These gaps directly impact maternal health outcomes.” The implications of undiagnosed or untreated conditions, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, are profound, often leading to long-term health complications for both mothers and their children.

Sharon Handelman-Gotlib, CEO of Shela Health, highlighted that maternal healthcare is often a neglected area despite its critical importance. “Pregnancy is a stress test for a woman’s long-term health—like a crystal ball. Yet, 25% of pregnancies lead to severe complications, many of which are preventable if identified early. Both women and men are very unaware of the outcomes of what can occur from not preventing a condition at the right spot and right timing,” she explained. The challenges range from lack of awareness and education to systemic barriers in healthcare delivery.

Innovations Bridging the Gap in Maternal Healthcare

One of the core themes of the panel was the potential of innovative technologies to mitigate maternal healthcare disparities. The speakers emphasized that solutions must be both preventative and empowering, giving women the tools to actively engage in their healthcare journey.

Prediction Models for Early Intervention

Handelman-Gotlib shared how Shela Health leverages data and algorithms to predict complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. “Our platform provides early prediction capabilities and precision care pathways personalized to each woman to prevent pregnancy complications from even occurring,” she explained. By addressing complications before they escalate, technologies like Shela’s pave the way for safer pregnancies and healthier long-term outcomes.

Empowering Women Through Wearable Tech

Regina Atim, founder of Clinicians Touch Allyve, introduced her solution, a wearable device and digital platform designed to collect biometric data throughout pregnancy and postpartum. “We want women to be equal stakeholders in their health—especially during their pregnancy journey,” Atim stated. The platform fosters a sense of community while providing actionable insights, ensuring that no concern—no matter how small—is overlooked.

Tackling Maternal Healthcare Disparities Through Collaboration

Collaboration emerged as a critical factor in driving meaningful change. From regulators to clinicians, the panel emphasized the importance of aligning incentives and creating cohesive systems.

Partnerships with Regulators

Andrew Pieprzyk discussed Hologic’s efforts to engage with regulators and policymakers. “We’re working at the EU Commission level to put a women’s health agenda on the map. It’s about raising awareness and driving systemic change,” he said. He also stressed the importance of incentivizing early care: “Governments need to prioritize preventive care, not just episodic interventions.”

Meeting Women Where They Are

“Technology alone isn’t enough; it’s about making it accessible and relevant to women’s lives,” noted Atim. Whether through mobile apps, community-based solutions, or alternative settings, meeting women in their comfort zones can drive greater adoption and impact.

Driving Awareness and Advocacy

Handelman-Gotlib echoed the need for awareness at all levels. “We need to educate not only women but also their support systems—partners, families, and communities—to advocate for their care,” she said. Pieprzyk added that empowering women to ask questions and trust the system is paramount: “If a woman isn’t engaged in her own care, we’re already losing.”

The Role of Data in Transforming Maternal Healthcare

A recurring theme was the transformative power of data-driven healthcare solutions. As Yahel Halamish, Investment Principal at Nina Capital, pointed out, “We need to make data actionable—not just for innovation but for aligning regulators, providers, and payors.” Integrating real-world evidence with predictive algorithms can not only improve outcomes but also drive cost efficiencies, a key incentive for stakeholders.

Atim illustrated this with a poignant example: “On my way here, I saw a Facebook post from a new mom about persistent headaches. She almost ignored it, thinking it was minor, and didn’t want to bother her doctor. I messaged this complete stranger to insist she report it—it turns out she had preeclampsia. This is why we need platforms that can flag these symptoms early.”

Closing the Gap in Maternal Healthcare Disparities

The panel concluded with a collective call to action. As Pieprzyk aptly put it, “It takes 17 years to change the gold standard of practice in healthcare. We don’t have that kind of time.” The urgency to address maternal healthcare disparities is clear, but so is the opportunity.

By leveraging data, fostering partnerships, and putting women at the center of the conversation, the future of maternal health can be transformed. As Halamish noted in her closing remarks, “Each of us has a role to play—whether as innovators, clinicians, or advocates. Together, we can create a system where maternal healthcare disparities are a thing of the past.”

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the insights from LSI Europe ’24 serve as a rallying cry for a more equitable, innovative, and patient-centered approach to maternal health.

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