Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Welcomes Irish Launch of The Lancet Haematology Commission on Women’s Health5 October 2026 | Croke Park, Dublin

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD was honoured to attend the Irish launch of The Lancet Haematology Commission on Women’s Health at Croke Park on 5 October, a landmark event highlighting the importance of improving the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of women’s health across the life course.

The Commission shines an important spotlight on the many haematological conditions that disproportionately affect women and girls, including iron deficiency, anaemia, bleeding disorders and complications related to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Its findings underline the need for healthcare systems to better recognise and respond to the distinct health challenges experienced by women.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Carroll MacNeill TD welcomed the Commission's focus on evidence-based approaches to addressing long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare.

“For too long, aspects of women’s health have been under-recognised and under-researched. The work of The Lancet Haematology Commission is an important contribution to ensuring that women receive timely diagnoses, appropriate treatment and the high-quality care they deserve at every stage of life.”

The Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to advancing women’s health through continued investment in services, research and innovation. She noted the significant progress made in recent years through initiatives aimed at improving access to care, expanding specialist services and strengthening awareness of conditions that have historically been overlooked.

The event brought together leading clinicians, researchers, patient advocates and policymakers to discuss how the Commission’s recommendations can help shape future health policy and improve outcomes for women both in Ireland and internationally.

Minister Carroll MacNeill TD thanked all those involved in advancing women’s health research and advocacy, noting that meaningful progress is achieved when patients, healthcare professionals and policymakers work together to drive positive change.

The launch marks another important step in Ireland’s ongoing efforts to place women’s health at the centre of healthcare policy and ensure that every woman has access to the care, support and treatment she needs throughout her life.