Merck hosted its second She Matters: Women’s Health Summit at Conrad Manila, convening doctors, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and advocates to advance a unified call-to-action for improving women’s health across every stage of life—and connecting it to planetary health.
Anchored on the theme “Healthy Women, Healthy Economy, Healthy Planet,” the summit highlighted how investing in women’s health strengthens families, boosts productivity, and drives societal progress.
“Today, we gather not just to discuss health, but to champion women’s health—She Matters. Her health matters, her voice matters, her future matters. And when she thrives, the world thrives with her,” said Martha Paiz, Managing Director and General Manager of Merck Inc. She emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and communities to elevate women’s health outcomes.
Cardiometabolic Health: A Rising Concern
A key discussion focused on cardiometabolic conditions—such as hypertension, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—which are increasingly affecting women at younger ages. Experts highlighted that subtle or atypical symptoms often delay diagnosis, leading to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.
Raising awareness and promoting early screening and intervention are critical steps in preventing disease progression and improving long-term health outcomes for women.
Healthy Women, Healthy Economy
The summit underscored the link between women’s health and economic growth.
“When women are healthy, they can participate fully as professionals, caregivers, leaders, and innovators. Investing in women’s health is not only a healthcare priority but a powerful economic strategy that strengthens communities and economies,” said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Chief Health Officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc..
Thyroid Health: Small Gland, Big Impact
Thyroid disorders, which disproportionately affect women, were another major focus. Despite its small size, the thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, fertility, mood, pregnancy outcomes, and cardiovascular health. Symptoms are often subtle, leading to underdiagnosis.
“Screening for thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is crucial. Early detection and treatment protect both mother and child. Strengthening awareness and screening practices in the Philippines can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus Jr., President of the Philippine College of Physicians and Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.
Experts also stressed the need to recognize thyroid disorders within the broader framework of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to expand screening, treatment access, and public awareness.
Plastics, EDCs, and Planetary Health
The summit explored environmental factors such as microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with hormonal health, affecting fertility, metabolism, and thyroid function.
“Planetary health reminds us that human health and environmental health are deeply intertwined. Climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures shape today’s diseases. Protecting the environment is essential to protecting human health,” said Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, Associate Professor and Lead of the Planetary Health Programme at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute.
Healthy Women, Healthy Planet
Public health leaders emphasized that sustainable health systems must place women at the center.
“Healthy women and a healthy planet go hand in hand. Protecting women’s health strengthens families, communities, and future generations,” said Dr. Ronald Law, inaugural Director of the Health and Climate Change Office.
A Platform for Advocacy and Action
More than a scientific gathering, Merck’s She Matters Summit served as a platform for advocacy, bridging medicine, policy, and planetary stewardship. By fostering awareness, collaboration, and concrete action, the summit reinforced that women’s health must be prioritized in hospitals, workplaces, communities, and national policy discussions.
The event highlighted a clear message: investing in women’s health is an investment in the economy, society, and the planet.
