Realizing the Coverage in UHC

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. The delivery of these services requires health and care workers with an optimal skill mix at all levels of the health system, who are equitably distributed, adequately supported with access to quality assured products, and enjoying decent work. Inequalities continue to be a fundamental challenge for UHC – even where there is national progress on health service coverage, the aggregate data mask disparities within countries, between urban and rural areas.

Moving forward from the UN High-Level Meeting on UHC (Sep. 2023) to marking the 6th anniversary of International UHC day in December, we know that addressing equity and reaching those most in need of health services requires a strong focus on Primary Health Care (PHC), as a response to current and future health challenges. PHC is an inclusive, equitable, cost-effective, and efficient approach to improve health outcomes. It enables universal, integrated access to health services as close as possible to people's everyday environments. It also helps deliver the full range of quality services and products that people need for health and well-being, thereby improving coverage and financial protection.

Drawing on the insights and experiences of our distinguished speakers, this session will cover the most pressing issues related to UHC and reaching underserved populations. By placing people at the center of the discussion, we will talk about transforming and building resilient health systems, innovative solutions, unlocking financing, and building capacity of health workers – the cornerstone of UHC.