At the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting, world leaders have made a significant commitment to advancing universal health coverage by 2030. The approval of a new Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage marks a crucial turning point in global efforts to ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare services without financial hardship. The declaration emphasizes the need for bold actions and increased political commitments and financial investments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal health coverage. While global progress towards this goal has been stagnant, the declaration serves as a catalyst for change and a call to prioritize primary health care as the most inclusive and efficient pathway to universal health coverage. By taking decisive actions and making essential investments, world leaders hope to address widening health inequities and improve health outcomes for everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations. With an estimated additional investment of US$200-328 billion per year, countries can scale up primary health care approaches and save millions of lives while increasing average life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) commends Member States for their commitment and stands ready to support them in achieving their targets. The declaration will be continuously monitored and discussed to ensure accountability and identify further solutions to accelerate progress.
New Political Declaration
Approval at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting
At the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting, world leaders have approved a new Political Declaration on “Universal Health Coverage (UHC): expanding our ambition for health and well-being in a post-COVID world.” This declaration is seen as a crucial catalyst for the international community to take significant actions and mobilize the necessary political commitments and financial investments to achieve the UHC target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Importance of Universal Health Coverage
Achieving the UHC target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030
The UHC target measures the ability of countries to ensure that everyone receives the healthcare they need, when and where they need it, without facing financial hardship. It encompasses a wide range of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, protection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. However, global progress towards UHC has been stagnant since 2015 and reached a standstill in 2019. The urgency of the declaration is evident from the alarming statistics: in 2021, at least 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world’s population, were not fully covered by essential health services. Moreover, two billion people experienced financial hardship, with over 1.3 billion being pushed or further pushed into poverty while trying to access basic healthcare. These figures clearly highlight the widening health inequities that exist globally.
Stagnation in Global Progress towards UHC
Lack of full coverage by essential health services
Financial hardship and widening health inequities
One of the significant challenges in achieving universal health coverage is the lack of full coverage by essential health services. While progress has been made in some areas, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed. Many people, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, do not have access to the healthcare services they need. This lack of coverage contributes to the disparities in health outcomes and exacerbates existing health inequities.
Financial hardship is another issue that hinders progress towards UHC. The cost of healthcare can be a significant barrier for many individuals and families, pushing them into poverty or further exacerbating their economic struggles. This financial burden not only affects individuals but also has broader societal and economic implications, as it hampers productivity and economic growth.
Political Choice and Investment
Universal health coverage as a political choice
Investment in primary health care for UHC
Universal health coverage is ultimately a political choice. The approval of the Political Declaration reflects the commitment of countries to prioritize healthcare and make the necessary investments and policy decisions. It is crucial for governments to allocate sufficient resources and prioritize health in their budget decisions to achieve UHC. Moreover, investing in primary health care is a key aspect of achieving universal health coverage. A people-centered healthcare approach that focuses on preventive and promotive services, as well as comprehensive and integrated care, is more effective in addressing the diverse health needs of the population.
Primary Health Care Approach
Shift from disease-focused to people-centered health systems
Benefits of a PHC approach
A primary health care approach is a fundamental shift from disease-focused to people-centered health systems. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying determinants of health and providing holistic care that takes into account the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and communities. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment, primary health care can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Additionally, a people-centered approach ensures that individuals and communities are actively involved in decision-making processes, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
Financial Investment for PHC
Additional investment needed for PHC approach in low- and middle-income countries
Impacts of increased investment in PHC
To scale up a primary health care approach in low- and middle-income countries, additional financial investment is necessary. Estimates suggest that an investment of US$ 200–328 billion per year is required to strengthen primary health care systems in these countries, equivalent to approximately 3.3% of national gross domestic product. However, the benefits of increased investment in primary health care are immense. With sufficient resources, health systems can deliver up to 90% of essential health services, saving millions of lives and increasing average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030. Adequate funding will also contribute to building stronger and more resilient health systems, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
WHO’s Role in UHC
Technical support through country and regional offices
Normative guidance for accountability and impact
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a fundamental role in supporting countries in their efforts to achieve universal health coverage. Through its network of more than 150 country offices and six regional offices, WHO provides technical support to accelerate the reorientation of health systems towards a primary health care approach. This support includes guidance on policy development, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange. Additionally, WHO provides normative guidance to track progress and ensure accountability and impact. By working closely with Member States, WHO aims to expand service coverage, ensure financial protection, and shape the financing architecture to invest more effectively in health.
Commendation for Member States
Approval of the UN High-Level Meeting Political Declaration on UHC
WHO commends Member States for approving the UN High-Level Meeting Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage. This declaration is the result of a broad consultative process and reflects the commitment of countries to improve healthcare and achieve UHC. It provides a roadmap for national actions, essential investments, international cooperation, and global solidarity to accelerate progress towards UHC by 2030.
Monitoring and Implementation
Regular monitoring of the Political Declaration for progress and solutions
Discussion at the next dedicated UN High-Level Meeting in 2027
With the approval of the Political Declaration, regular monitoring of its implementation will be essential to identify gaps and devise solutions to accelerate progress towards UHC. This monitoring will help track the achievements and challenges faced by Member States and guide future actions. Furthermore, the next dedicated UN High-Level Meeting on UHC, scheduled for 2027, will provide an opportunity for Member States to come together and review the progress made towards achieving universal health coverage.
Conclusion
The approval of the Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage marks a significant milestone in the global commitment to ensure healthcare for all. Achieving universal health coverage is not only a political choice but also a necessity to address the health needs of populations and reduce health inequities. By investing in primary health care and adopting a people-centered approach, countries can make substantial progress towards UHC by 2030. The World Health Organization, alongside Member States and partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to support countries in their journey towards universal health coverage and improve the health and well-being of all individuals and communities.
