Berlin: Indian actress Kriti Sanon became the first Indian celebrity to address the World Health Summit (WHS) on Wednesday, delivering a keynote titled “Women’s Health – Global Wealth: Catalyzing Returns on Bold Investments.”

Speaking to a global audience, the actor highlighted critical gaps in healthcare for women, emphasising both moral and economic imperatives for targeted investment.

During her session, Kriti cited alarming data on gender disparities in health. She noted that women are 50% more likely than men to be misdiagnosed after a heart attack. In addition, women are 40% more likely to sustain serious injuries in car crashes, a reflection of decades of safety testing based on male crash-test dummies. These statistics, she argued, underscore the urgent need for gender-inclusive medical research, healthcare planning, and safety testing.

Kriti also highlighted the economic benefits of investing in women’s health, referencing studies showing that a $300 million investment can generate returns of $13 billion — a ninefold gain. She stressed that women make up half the global population, yet their healthcare remains chronically underfunded, a systemic issue that impacts both health outcomes and economic growth.

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, Kriti wrote:

"Women make up for half the humanity! It’s high time we invest in women’s health and include them equally while testing medicines, healthcare, and safety technologies!"

As UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, Kriti’s keynote combined advocacy with actionable insights, calling for policymakers, healthcare providers, and corporations to address these disparities. She also met UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita, describing her as a source of inspiration and hope, and praised her vision for advancing global gender equality.

Kriti’s participation at WHS marks a significant milestone, reflecting a growing trend of celebrities leveraging their platforms to promote public health awareness. By spotlighting gender-based disparities in medical diagnostics and safety, she reinforced that investing in women’s health is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a strategic economic decision.

On the professional front, Kriti Sanon will next appear in Tere Ishq Mein, co-starring Dhanush. The film, which has already generated buzz with its teaser, is slated for release on November 28, 2025