July 16, 2026 — The Lancet Haematology today published its Commission on Global Female Health and Haematology , a multidisciplinary international collaboration that examines the unique hematologic health challenges faced by women and girls around the world and outlines recommendations for improving outcomes. Marni Sommer, DrPh, RN, professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, is a co-author of the report by the Commission.
The Commission focuses on hematologic health across multiple stages of life, addressing issues ranging from menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy and aging. It also explores socioeconomic disparities, such as poverty, access to care and social determinants of health influence outcomes for women around the world.
“The Commission highlights how under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized heavy menstrual bleeding is around the world, leaving many people with inadequate support and care, and with negative impacts for their health and quality of life,” said Dr. Sommer.
The Commission launches in conjunction with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) 2026 Congress in Paris, where more than 6,000 experts from around the world gathered to advance research and clinical care in thrombosis and hemostasis.
The Lancet Commission on Global Female Health and Haematology arrives at a pivotal moment for women's health, according to the authors, as growing recognition of longstanding disparities in the diagnosis, treatment and research of bleeding and thrombotic disorders drives global calls for action.
The launch also coincides with the ISTH's expanding commitment to women's health through the newly established ISTH Women's Health Hub, a comprehensive global initiative dedicated to advancing education, collaboration, research and advocacy for bleeding and clotting disorders across every stage of a woman's life. This commitment is also reflected at the ISTH 2026 Congress through the Society's first-ever regulatory session, convening international regulatory leaders to explore collaborative approaches to strengthening evidence generation and improving care for women worldwide.
"This Commission is driven by a recognition that women's hematologic health deserves greater visibility, investment and action," said Bethany Samuelson-Bannow, MD, lead author of the Commission and a member of the ISTH. President of the ISTH Pantep Angchaisuksiri, MD, noted, “The publication of this Commission represents an important milestone for women's health and hematology. Women experience unique challenges related to bleeding and clotting disorders throughout their lives, yet many aspects of their care remain underrecognized or understudied. This Commission provides an important resource for clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates to improve outcomes globally."
In a separate, accompanying Commentary by Dr. Sommer in the The Lancet Haematology , she says, "Until menstrual health is recognized as a fundamental aspect of population health, meaningful progress in improving access worldwide will remain out of reach. We need to recognize the menstrual cycle as a lifelong health issue—that also means ensuring people who menstruate, and those who support them, have access to accurate information and evidence-based care," noted Sommer.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Founded in 1922, the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Columbia Mailman School is the fourth largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its nearly 300 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change and health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with more than 1,300 graduate students from 55 nations pursuing a variety of master’s and doctoral degree programs. The Columbia Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers, including ICAP and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit www.mailman.columbia.edu .
The Lancet Haematology
Reducing mortality, improving outcomes, and establishing equity for women with classical haematological disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission
13-Jul-2026