Abbott awards women’s health start-up as winner of Innovate4Health Challenge in the Middle East

Healthcare

Abbott awards women’s health start-up as winner of Innovate4Health Challenge in the Middle East

Abbott, a global healthcare leader, in partnership with Plug and Play Abu Dhabi, has named NAWAT Health the winner of its Innovate4Health Challenge. The initiative was created to address three major healthcare gaps in the Middle East — menopause awareness, living with vertigo, and medical misinformation — by encouraging regional start-ups to develop scalable solutions that improve lives.

Founded in 2023 by public health expert Noor Jaber, NAWAT Health stood out for its innovative approach to supporting women’s health across different life stages, with a particular emphasis on menopause. The platform provides culturally sensitive, digital resources tailored to the needs of women across the Arab world, empowering them with reliable information and tools to navigate this natural transition.

“At Abbott, we believe in unlocking the potential of local innovations that address pressing health challenges,” said Mazen Bachir, divisional vice president of Abbott’s medicines business in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. “The Innovate4Health Challenge is a true reflection of what Abbott stands for, delivering tech-driven solutions that help people access better care and live healthier lives.”

Tackling menopause stigma in the Arab world

Menopause affects nearly 500 million women globally each year. Hormonal changes during this stage can trigger physical and emotional symptoms that impact daily activities, careers, and relationships. Despite this, studies show that many women do not seek medical help due to lack of awareness or cultural stigma. In the UAE, only 17% of women reported having good knowledge of menopause, while in Saudi Arabia, more than half said they felt ill-informed.

NAWAT Health addresses these challenges by offering localized content, from educational videos and expert Q&A sessions to myth-busting resources. The platform’s design ensures information is accessible and resonates with women in the region, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about women’s health.

Scaling impact with Abbott partnership

“Our collaboration with Abbott is about more than just innovation—it’s about empowering women across the Arab world with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health,” said Noor Jaber, founder of NAWAT Health. “Winning the Innovate4Health Challenge enables us to scale our impact by launching a campaign with Abbott to destigmatize menopause and expand our platform with greater access to specialists and tailored educational programs.”

Dr. Hesham Arab, gynecologist and obstetrician, and Director of Dr. Arab Medical Center, added: “Abbott’s Innovate4Health Challenge has been instrumental in spotlighting impactful digital solutions that bring culturally relevant care to women’s health. Platforms like NAWAT Health are vital in equipping women with the resources they need to navigate menopause confidently.”

The initiative reflects Abbott’s ongoing commitment to innovation in healthcare and its mission to help people live healthier, fuller lives through localized, patient-centered solutions.