Picture a woman brushing off a nagging jaw ache or a wave of nausea, chalking it up to exhaustion or a fleeting discomfort. Unbeknownst to her, these could be her heart’s quiet pleas for help, a scenario all too common, and one that Organon’s “Mis[s]diagnosed” campaign is determined to change. Launched by Organon, a global healthcare company devoted to women’s well-being, this initiative confronts the medical gender gap head-on, with a sharp focus on cardiovascular diseases. It’s a deeply human effort, weaving together rigorous research, widespread collaboration, and compelling storytelling to demand better care for women whose symptoms have been overlooked for far too long.

What is the Mis[s]diagnosed campaign?

At its core, “Mis[s]diagnosed” tackles a sobering truth: cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as the leading cause of death for women worldwide, claiming one in three lives globally. In Europe, it holds the same grim distinction, yet these cases often go undetected. The reason lies in the symptoms, unlike the chest-clutching image tied to men, women might experience subtler signs like jaw pain, nausea, upper back discomfort, or an exhaustion that lingers without explanation. These differences, rooted in decades of medical bias and the exclusion of women from clinical trials, have left both healthcare providers and patients unprepared to spot the danger.

The campaign’s mission is clear: raise awareness about these lesser-known symptoms among the public and medical community alike, pushing for earlier detection and treatment. It also seeks to ignite a broader regional dialogue about women’s unique health challenges. Beyond cardiovascular disease, “Mis[s]diagnosed” is poised to shine a light on other neglected areas, such as migraines or reproductive health, where women’s needs remain understudied. It’s a bold step toward closing the gender data gap, aiming to transform healthcare outcomes by ensuring women’s symptoms are recognized and addressed.

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Why Organon started this unique initiative

Organon’s drive to launch “Mis[s]diagnosed” sprang from a mountain of research that painted a stark picture. Studies revealed that heart attacks account for a third of all female deaths globally, yet 78% of these cases in women are misdiagnosed because their symptoms are misinterpreted. Another finding underscored the urgency: 41% of women experiencing heart attack symptoms wait over 12 hours before seeking help, often because neither they nor their doctors link signs like nausea or fatigue to a cardiac event. This delay traces back to a historical imbalance, clinical trials have long favoured men, leaving a critical void in understanding how CVD presents differently in women.

These weren’t just statistics to Organon; they were stories of real people—mothers, sisters, friends—who dismissed their symptoms or were dismissed by a system built on outdated assumptions. The company saw an urgent need to bridge this gap through education and action, launching “Mis[s]diagnosed” to spotlight these disparities and equip people with the knowledge to act. The initiative marks a starting point, with ambitions to illuminate other health areas where women have been misjudged or misunderstood, ensuring their care reflects their reality.

A collaborative force for change

Organon didn’t tackle this alone, they rallied a coalition of eight prominent medical societies and associations, spanning medical groups, influencers, and policymakers across the Middle East region. This alliance wasn’t mere window dressing; it was a powerhouse of shared purpose. Partners dove into the effort, distributing educational content, participating in awareness activities, and handing out the campaign’s signature “Awareness Aid Kits” to healthcare professionals and influencers across the region. The collaboration amplified the message, earning “Mis[s]diagnosed” 11 awards, including a gold and bronze at the Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity in March 2024. Beyond the accolades, it sparked a vital conversation now echoing through clinics, households, and policy corridors.

Awareness that speaks

The campaign’s strategy is both methodical and moving. Organon rolled it out in phases, tailoring efforts to reach two key groups. Healthcare professionals received specialized emails and detailed guides outlining women’s CVD symptoms, equipping them with critical insights. Meanwhile, the public was engaged through a network of regional social media influencers, trusted voices who shared the campaign’s message far and wide. Others joined organically, drawn by the cause’s urgency, amplifying its reach further. The “Awareness Aid Kits,” complete with stethoscopes for audio storytelling, brought data and personal narratives to life, landing in the hands of doctors, influencers, and healthcare workers.

Seminars, on-ground events, and social media posts extended the effort to policymakers and everyday citizens, while the campaign’s impact spurred the “Trial for #ClinicalEquality” initiative, pressing pharmaceutical companies to diversify clinical trials. It’s an approach that blends education with emotion, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

It’s a campaign that doesn’t just inform; it captivates, ensuring the message sticks.

Platforms with purpose

“Mis[s]diagnosed” harnesses a dynamic array of platforms to keep its message resonant. The hashtag #KnowTheSigns threads through social media, paired with unboxing videos of the kits from influencers and cardiologists alike. On-ground events and seminars provide a tangible connection, while partnerships with healthcare institutions lend credibility and scope. The audio storytelling—delivered through those stethoscopes—offers an intimate, almost visceral experience, making the facts feel immediate and personal. It’s a campaign that doesn’t just inform; it captivates, ensuring the message sticks.

By closing this gender data gap, Organon isn’t just saving hearts, they’re redefining how half the world is cared for.

A future of fair care

Organon’s ambitions stretch far beyond this single effort. Their long-term vision is a world where every woman enjoys a healthier day, every day, a goal they’re pursuing through sustained partnerships with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and influencers. The campaign’s scope is set to expand, tackling other misdiagnosed conditions like migraines where women are disproportionately affected yet underserved. Leveraging their global presence and resources, Organon aims to drive systemic change, ensuring women’s voices shape the future of healthcare and their needs are met with understanding and action.

A Beat that demands attention“Mis[s]diagnosed” stands as more than a campaign—it’s a lifeline for the woman who waited too long, the one whose subtle symptoms were brushed aside. It fuses hard data with human stakes, urging a closer listen to the signals women’s bodies send. By closing this gender data gap, Organon isn’t just saving hearts, they’re redefining how half the world is cared for. It’s a rhythm that pulses with purpose, a call to action that echoes beyond the page, demanding a healthcare system that truly hears every beat.