Skip to main content

National Women's Health Week

May 10-16, 2026

NWHW 2026 Theme

NWHW 2026 Theme Banner

National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a time to focus on the health needs of women and girls at every stage of life. Each year, the observance highlights key topics and encourages women to take steps to protect and improve their health.

This year’s theme is “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health.” The theme reflects an ongoing commitment to proactive, science-based, and coordinated care and highlights the importance of moving beyond fragmented care to focus on prevention, early detection, and better health outcomes. It also emphasizes translating new scientific discoveries into practical steps that women and health care providers can use every day.

This year’s theme:

  • Highlights emerging areas of science, such as vaginal estrogen, the microbiome, environmental exposures, and Alzheimer's
  • Emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention
  • Recognizes the role of hormones in overall health across the lifespan, including menopause, hormone therapy, heart health, bone and muscle health, and maternal health
  • Ensures information is based on current research and reflects the future of women's health

This theme supports federal approaches to ensure that all Americans live longer, healthier lives, supported by systems that prioritize prevention, well-being, resilience, and a whole-person approach to women’s health. It also reflects priorities from the Inaugural HHS National Conference on Women’s Health by advancing research on sex-specific differences and supporting the use of scientific progress in health care and public health.

Guiding pillars for messaging to support this year’s theme include:

  • Women's Health Across the Lifespan: Health needs change over time, from adolescence through post-menopause, and require ongoing, stage-specific care. 
  • Science Is Transforming Women's Health: New research on biology, hormones, environmental factors, and the microbiome is improving prevention and treatment.
  • Prevention Starts Early: Addressing risk factors early, especially in midlife, can improve long-term health.
  • A New Model of Care: More connected, preventive, and person-centered care can lead to better outcomes.
  • From Research to Real-World Impact: Turning research into practical care and community-based solutions is key to improving women's health.
Page last updated on: April 28, 2026