The Lancet Commission is calling on world leaders to align on a clearer understanding of gender to advance global health equity. This recommendation is at the heart of its latest report released in April 2025.

The Commission notes that Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5—focused on health and gender equality—remain far from being met. It argues that this shortfall stems from the absence of a unified legal definition of gender across global health systems.

According to the report, gender influences both the environment and health outcomes, making it a critical concept that needs urgent redefinition and political consensus.

The Commission’s findings challenge policymakers to not only address healthcare gaps but also rethink how gender identity and equity are structured into public health strategies.