Introduction
In a major milestone towards achieving global health equity, world leaders have come together to endorse a new political declaration on universal health coverage (UHC). This commitment, titled “Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Expanding our ambition for health and well-being in a post-Covid world,” aims to accelerate progress towards UHC by 2030. The declaration serves as a catalyst for mobilizing political commitments and financial investments necessary to ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare without facing financial hardship.
The Urgent Need for Universal Health Coverage
Stagnation in Global Progress
Since 2015, progress towards achieving universal health coverage has been alarmingly slow, with a significant setback in 2019. Despite the commitment to UHC outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), over 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world’s population, lack full access to essential health services. This lack of access has led to financial hardships for two billion people, with over 1.3 billion being pushed into poverty while seeking basic healthcare. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action and a renewed commitment to UHC.
Universal Health Coverage as a Political Choice
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizes that achieving universal health coverage is not just a theoretical concept but a political choice. The political declaration endorsed by world leaders signifies their commitment to making this choice a reality. However, this commitment extends beyond mere words on paper. It requires countries to make budget and policy decisions that prioritize primary healthcare, which is the most inclusive, equitable, and efficient path towards achieving UHC.
The Political Declaration: A Turning Point for Course-Correction
The political declaration approved by world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on UHC outlines key national actions and the necessary investments to accelerate progress towards UHC by 2030. This declaration emphasizes the importance of adopting a primary health care (PHC) approach, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring global solidarity.
Shifting from Disease-Centered to People-Centered Health Systems
To achieve truly universal healthcare, a fundamental shift is required from disease-centered health systems to systems designed to meet people’s needs. The PHC approach, which focuses on strengthening health systems based on people’s requirements, has proven to be one of the most effective areas for investment in accelerating progress towards UHC. Countries that have adopted a PHC approach have demonstrated better capabilities in rapidly building resilient health systems, reaching vulnerable populations, and achieving greater returns on health investments.
The Financial Investment Required
Scaling up the PHC approach in low- and middle-income countries requires a substantial financial investment. The World Health Organization estimates that an annual investment ranging from $200 billion to $328 billion is necessary. This investment could enable health systems to deliver up to 90% of essential health services, save a minimum of 60 million lives, and increase average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030. The financial commitment required underscores the significant resources needed to achieve UHC and the importance of prioritizing healthcare as a global investment.
Strengthening Health Systems through Collaboration
Achieving universal health coverage requires collaboration and cooperation at all levels. The World Bank Group, in partnership with various stakeholders, plays a crucial role in supporting countries in their efforts towards UHC. Through a wide array of financial products and technical assistance, the World Bank Group helps countries share knowledge, apply innovative solutions, and strengthen their health systems.
Improving Collaboration for Health System Strengthening
To improve collaboration and enhance health system strengthening, the World Bank Group facilitates initiatives that promote effective development cooperation. Their seven behaviors for effective development cooperation serve as a guiding framework for countries and partners to align their efforts towards achieving UHC. These behaviors emphasize the importance of country ownership, alignment with national priorities, and mutual accountability.
Technical Working Groups: Enhancing Health Systems
The World Bank Group supports the establishment of technical working groups that focus on critical aspects of health system strengthening. These groups, such as the Public Financial Management Technical Working Group, the UHC in Fragile Settings Technical Working Group, the Sustainability and Transition from External Financing Technical Working Group, the Health Systems Assessment Technical Working Group, and the Multisectoral Action Technical Working Group, provide valuable expertise and guidance in addressing specific challenges in health systems.
Sharing Knowledge and Networks for UHC
The World Bank Group is committed to sharing knowledge and facilitating networks to promote UHC. Their knowledge exchange and learning initiatives allow countries to learn from each other’s experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches in achieving UHC. Additionally, the UHC Data Portal provides a comprehensive platform for accessing and analyzing data related to UHC, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions and track progress towards UHC.
Conclusion: A Healthier Future for All
The endorsement of the political declaration on universal health coverage by world leaders marks a significant step towards achieving global health equity. By mobilizing political commitments and financial investments, this commitment aims to ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare without facing financial hardship. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a focus on strengthening health systems, we can work towards a healthier future for all. Let us seize this opportunity to prioritize universal health coverage and build a world where no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
