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International Universal Health Coverage Day 2023
Health For All: Time for Action
With the global commitment to Universal Health Coverage reignited, it’s crucial to take immediate, tangible steps to reignite progress. Let’s rally our leaders to implement policies ensuring fair access to vital health services without financial strain, making health and well-being a universal right, not a privilege.
Amid escalating climate-related health risks, this year’s focus underscores the need for resilient, fair health systems anchored in primary care. Collaboration across sectors – governments, private entities, NGOs, and civil society – empowers us to demand accountability from leaders, making universal health coverage achievable by 2030.
The case for universal health coverage (UHC) is clear. UHC ensures all people, everywhere, can get the quality health services they need without financial hardship. It is key to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and to coping with the interlocking health, humanitarian and climate crises our world is facing.
The United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, held on 21 September 2023, reaffirmed that healthy people are the foundation of healthy societies and economies, and that UHC is central to achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals.
And yet:
- Half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services.
- An estimated 2 billion people face financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health expenses, including 344 million people living in extreme poverty.
- Since the launch of the SDGs in 2015 – even before the COVID-19 pandemic – the expansion of health service coverage had stalled and financial protection had deteriorated.
The pandemic has set countries further back in their journey towards universal health coverage. It has also showed why UHC is so important.
It’s time for action.
Every 12 December, advocates worldwide mobilize on UHC Day to call for strong, equitable health systems that leave no one behind.
12.12.2012
The United Nations unanimously endorses a historic resolution urging all countries to accelerate progress toward UHC as an essential priority for international development.
12.12.2014
The Universal Health Coverage Coalition begins to celebrate 12 December as UHC Day, to hold leaders accountable to their promise of #HealthForAll.
12.12.2017
The United Nations officially designates 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day.
12.12.2019
A global movement calls on world leaders to Keep the Promise they made at the 2019 High-Level Meeting on UHC and achieve #HealthForAll by 2030.
12.12.2020
Nearly one year after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported to the World Health Organization, UHC Day goes virtual, calling for investments in health systems that protect everyone.
12.12.2022
UHC Day 2022 marked the last celebration before the 2023 High-Level Meeting on UHC.
12.12.2023
Now that the global community has renewed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) for all worldwide with the adoption of the United Nations Political Declaration on UHC (21 September 2023), it is time for immediate and tangible steps that get progress back on track.
Invest in Universal Health Coverage
Investing more and better in UHC benefits all of society, because UHC reduces poverty and promotes equity and social cohesion.
It’s time for local, national and global leaders to prioritize financing for health services and financial protection, so that everyone can access quality health services without falling into poverty.
This includes investing in all of the systems that address health and well-being as well as in a well-trained, well-paid health and care workforce.
Strengthen Health Systems
The need for more resilient health systems – especially in the face of climate change and increased risk of pandemics – has never been more urgent.
It’s time to build equitable and resilient health systems with primary health care as a foundation, and to connect universal health coverage with health security.
This is the best way to protect communities, particularly vulnerable populations, to prepare for and respond effectively to health threats, and to ensure the continuity of essential health services – in crisis and calm.
Expand Primary Health Care
Primary health care is the foundation of UHC and people’s first line of defense against illness and disease. It is also the most inclusive, cost-effective approach to achieving health for all and protecting communities from health crises.
It’s time to expand primary health care interventions, including health promotion and disease prevention, that respond to people’s needs throughout their lives, address the determinants of health, and empower individuals, families and communities to take charge of their own health.
Work Across Sectors and Communities
To achieve health and well-being, governments must look beyond health services and address the environmental, social and behavioural factors that affect health.
They must also listen to communities – including people of all ages and genders – and involve them in decision-making processes.
This is the best way to ensure that health policies and programs meet people’s needs and leave no one behind.
Promote Innovation to Reach Everyone
Innovation across the health system – from health care delivery to policy-making and funding – is vital to advancing universal health coverage and overcoming barriers to access, affordability and quality.
It’s time to promote innovations that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our health systems and that protect the health of everyone, everywhere.
