Global Leaders Commit to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage by 2030

Global Leaders Commit to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage by 2030

A New Political Declaration for Health

Global leaders recently approved a new political declaration to enhance international cooperation and global solidarity. The aim is to speed up progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. The declaration, which emanated from a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, is seen as a vital tool for the international community. It is set to spur significant and bold steps, mobilize the political commitments, and financial investments required to achieve the UHC target of the sustainable development goals by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of this declaration in a press release.

Understanding Universal Health Coverage

The UHC target measures a country’s ability to ensure that every individual receives the healthcare they need. The measure of success is when and where individuals need healthcare, without encountering financial difficulties. UHC encompasses the full range of essential services, from health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, to palliative care.

Political Choice for Universal Health

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that universal health coverage is a political choice. The political declaration approved by countries is a strong indication of this choice. However, this commitment is not only made on paper. It is reflected in budgetary and political decisions. Above all, it translates into investments in primary health care. This is seen as the most open, fair, and effective path to achieving universal health coverage.

Monitoring Implementation and Future Plans

Once the political declaration is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, its implementation will be regularly monitored. This is to identify gaps and solutions to move forward more swiftly. The declaration is also expected to lead to a discussion at the next high-level meeting of the United Nations in 2027.