
Berlin, Germany: In a landmark moment, Kriti Sanon became the first Indian actress to address the World Health Summit 2025, using her platform to advocate for stronger global investment in women’s health and gender equality. As an actor, producer, and UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, Sanon highlighted the critical link between women’s health and the world’s social and economic progress.
Speaking at the session titled “Women’s Health – Global Wealth: Catalysing Returns on Bold Investments,” Sanon emphasized that despite women making up half of the global population, funding for their health remains disproportionately low.
“Women’s health is not a side issue. It is the cornerstone of humanity's progress, prosperity, and future,” Sanon said in her address.
Underscoring the economic case for action, Sanon shared a striking data point: every USD 300 million invested in women’s health can yield returns of up to USD 13 billion — nearly a nine-fold return on investment.
“Investing in women’s health is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in our collective future. When women are healthy, they can thrive, and so do their families, communities, and economies. We must move beyond presenting empirical evidence and commit to bold, decisive action,” she noted.
Echoing the powerful principle “Nothing about her, without her,” Sanon urged that women must have an active voice in decisions about their own health.
“It’s time to ensure that women have a seat at the table when decisions about their health and bodies are being made,” she added.
Drawing from her recent field visits as part of her UNFPA work, Sanon reflected on the challenges she witnessed firsthand — including child marriage, limited access to maternal healthcare, and the exclusion of young women from health systems. Through these real-life stories, she illustrated how timely interventions and care can transform lives.
Kriti Sanon’s participation at the World Health Summit 2025 marks a milestone for India’s representation in global dialogues on gender and health. In her ongoing role with UNFPA India, she continues to champion accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare, maternal health services, and the inclusion of adolescent girls in health policymaking, reinforcing her commitment to advancing women’s rights and wellbeing worldwide.