Kriti Sanon becomes first Indian actress to address World Health Summit; urges greater investment in women’s health

Kriti Sanon made history by becoming the first Indian actress to address the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin. As an actor, producer, and UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, she used this global platform to call for bold and sustained investments in women’s health, underscoring the economic and social benefits of prioritising this crucial issue.

Speaking at the high-level session titled Women’s Health – Global Wealth: Catalyzing Returns on Bold Investments, Sanon emphasized that women’s health remains severely underfunded despite representing half of the world’s population. “Women’s health is not a side issue,” Sanon said. “It is the cornerstone of humanity’s progress, prosperity, and future.”

She highlighted a striking statistic to stress the urgency of action: for every USD 300 million invested in women’s health, the return can reach USD 13 billion—a roughly 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,” she added. “We must move beyond presenting empirical evidence and commit to bold, decisive action.” Sanon also echoed the principle “Nothing about her, without her,” affirming that it is time to ensure women have a seat at the table when decisions about their health and bodies are made.

Reflecting on her recent field visits, she shared insights on the realities of child marriage, lack of maternal healthcare, and the exclusion young women face within health systems. Through these stories of resilience, she illustrated how timely interventions can change lives.Sanon’s presence at the Summit marks a significant milestone for India’s voice in the global conversation on gender and health. In her role as UNFPA India’s Ambassador, she continues to champion accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare, maternal health services, and the meaningful inclusion of adolescent girls in health decision-making processes.