The question of whether a country should implement a universal health care program is increasingly relevant in our interconnected world. Recently, world leaders at the United Nations adopted a landmark Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), signaling a significant step towards health for all. This commitment, the most comprehensive set of health pledges ever made at this level, underscores the global recognition of UHC as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), hailed this declaration as a pivotal moment for global health. With the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) looming, universal health coverage is not just a health issue; it is a crucial component of broader societal progress. Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that UHC is a political choice, and world leaders have now indicated their readiness to prioritize it.
This declaration arrived shortly after the WHO and its partners highlighted a stark reality: health coverage needs to double by 2030 to ensure global access. Failure to do so would leave up to 5 billion people without essential health services. The UN declaration represents a commitment from Member States to actively pursue UHC by focusing investments in four key areas, all anchored in primary health care systems.
These critical areas include establishing mechanisms to protect individuals from financial hardship when seeking healthcare. No one should face poverty due to healthcare costs. Furthermore, the commitment involves implementing high-impact health interventions to effectively combat diseases and safeguard the health of women and children, who are often the most vulnerable. Strengthening the health workforce and infrastructure is another vital pillar, alongside reinforcing governance capacity to ensure effective and equitable healthcare delivery. Nations will be accountable for their progress, reporting back to the UN General Assembly in 2023.
Melinda Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, stressed the urgency of action. Now that the world has committed to health for all, the real work begins – translating commitments into tangible results. She urged donors and governments to move beyond conventional approaches and strengthen primary health care systems, which address the majority of people’s health needs throughout their lives.
Further solidifying this global push, the WHO and 11 other multilateral organizations are launching a Global Action Plan for health and wellbeing for all. This plan will streamline support to countries, ensuring a unified and effective approach to achieving universal health coverage and the health-related SDG targets. The global consensus is clear: universal health coverage is not just an aspiration, but a necessity for a healthy and equitable future.
