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By Annette Naude, MEA Regional Head of Life Science, DHL Global Forwarding

Women are playing a key role in transforming healthcare logistics across sub-Saharan Africa and other emerging markets. As demand for essential medicines grows, more women are taking on leadership roles, working as community healthcare professionals, and driving innovation in how healthcare reaches frontline communities. Their contributions help close gaps, challenge outdated systems, and expand access to care.  

But this transformation is not without its challenges. In our region, more than 70% of medicines are imported, making supply chains vulnerable to global disruptions. Limited local medicine production, unpredictable prices, and infrastructure hurdles still keep treatment out of reach for many. Even so, we continue to see growing momentum as women contribute at every level, from boardrooms and startups to clinics and rural villages, helping to build logistics systems that are more inclusive and attuned to local realities. 

Women at the heart of health innovation

Globally, women make up 67% of the health workforce, yet hold just 25% of senior leadership roles. In Africa, women represent 70% of the healthcare workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions and often earn less than their male counterparts. This is not just a question of equity, it limits innovation and slows progress in expanding access to care.

Changing systems through inclusion

Access to healthcare depends on strong local supply chains and skilled teams. Women are contributing meaningfully to this transformation, crafting policy, building partnerships, and responding to health challenges across the value chain. Their leadership encourages wider participation and inclusive decision-making within logistics operations.    

By using real-time technology to monitor needs, enabling faster procurement decisions, and improving system transparency, women are helping to build more responsive health systems that work better for everyone. When we tackle the barriers that women and girls face, we strengthen healthcare systems overall.  

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Overcoming logistics challenges and connecting lives

Emerging markets face a complex set of challenges in healthcare logistics, from limited infrastructure gaps and regulatory delays to resource limitations and supply volatility. By investing in skills development, building inclusive teams, and supporting knowledge exchange, we can future proof supply chains.   

When more women are supported to lead, participate, and grow in this space, health outcomes improve, and communities benefit.

Five ways to empower women in healthcare logistics

• Encourage early interest in STEM: Create opportunities for girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at school.
• Adapt education to industry needs: Align training in pharmacy and biotechnology with job-market needs through partnerships and real-world learning.
• Grow mentorship opportunities: Support programmes that connect women with industry leaders, building knowledge and confidence.
• Strengthen community networks: Invest in health worker training at the grassroots level, and use digital tools for faster, better solutions.
• Increase accountability and equity: Ensure procurement is transparent and support reforms that make healthcare accessible to all.  

Looking ahead

The future of healthcare logistics in emerging markets depends on our ability to realise the full potential of all our people especially women. When women are empowered to lead and collaborate, solutions become more inclusive, systems become more resilient, and care reaches more people.

I believe that supporting empowering women in pharmaceuticals and logistics is not just good policy; it’s essential to health equity. With the right backing we can break new ground, connect more lives, and deliver on the promise of reliable, high-quality care for all.

Annette Naude is the MEA Regional Head of Life Science, DHL Global Forwarding

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