Abbott, a global healthcare leader, in collaboration with venture capital company Plug and Play Abu Dhabi, has named NAWAT Health the winner of its Innovate4Health Challenge. Designed to address three critical healthcare gaps in the Middle East ─ menopause awareness, living with vertigo, and medical misinformation — the Challenge called on regional start-ups to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that align with Abbott’s mission of helping people live healthier, fuller lives.
NAWAT Health, a start-up founded in 2023 by public health expert Noor Jaber, stood out for its groundbreaking approach to supporting women’s health across all life stages with a particular focus on menopause, a life stage too often underserved and underdiscussed in the Arab world. NAWAT Health created a platform that offers culturally sensitive digital resources tailored to the unique needs of women across the region, empowering them to navigate this transition with confidence.
Menopause is a natural life stage experienced by approximately 500 million women globally each year.1 Hormonal changes leading up to menopause can trigger a range of challenging physical and mental symptoms.2 Research shows that these symptoms can deeply affect a woman’s daily life activities, career, relationships, and overall well-being. 3,4 Unfortunately, social stigma and a lack of information mean half of women don’t seek medical help for menopause symptoms.4 In the United Arab Emirates, only 17% of women felt they had good knowledge of menopause, while in Saudi Arabia, 56% of women reported feeling ill-informed about this phase and its symptoms.5,6
Recognizing this gap, the NAWAT Health platform was designed with a localized, culturally relevant approach, ensuring the information resonates with Arab audiences and respects their unique cultural contexts. From educational videos to expert Q&A forums, the platform addresses myths, reduces stigma, and empowers women with accessible, reliable information.
