Biotechnology, Primary Healthcare Access Equity and Gender Equity: The Role of Women in Biotech for Global Health Security

ABSTRACT

Biotechnology is emerging as a strategic driver of health innovation and economic growth in the UAE, MENA, and Africa. Yet, equitable primary healthcare (PHC) remains foundational to achieving universal health goals. This paper examines how biotechnology development, PHC equity, gender inclusion and intergenerational intersect to advance global health security. A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed sources, policy briefs, and expert commentary, including Dr. Allama Elmehdi’s publications, to synthesize trends and insights from 2018–2025. Biotechnology promises transformative solutions, but faces barriers including talent shortages, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles. PHC provides an essential delivery foundation, while gender equity is vital to strengthening leadership and innovation impact. Policy coherence aligning biotech, PHC, and gender equity accelerates sustainable health outcomes. Inclusive leadership, especially empowering women, ensures innovations reach all communities equitably. Integrated strategies combining biotech investment, PHC strengthening, and gender-inclusive leadership are critical to resilient, equitable, and effective global health systems.

Keywords: Biotechnology, Primary health care (PHC), Health equity, Gender equity, Women in biotechnology, Global health security, Health innovation, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Africa health security