WHO Regional Director ’s statement to the press for International Universal Health Coverage ...

11 December 2022 – Good afternoon and welcome to today’s press briefing on the occasion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, which is held annually on 12 December. UHC Day is an official United Nations-designated day marking the anniversary of a unanimous decision seven years ago to endorse universal health coverage as an essential component of international development. Under this year’s theme, “Build the World We Want: A Healthy Future for All”, UHC Day provides an opportunity to advocate for universal health coverage and for the key role that primary health care plays in achieving UHC and ensuring health security. It comes at a critical time when countries are rebuilding their health systems after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Universal health coverage means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services across the life course, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. It also means that these services are easily available and accessible both geographically and financially to all who need them. COVID-19, conflicts and climate change are now posing additional challenges to efforts to achieve universal health coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of our health, social protection and economic systems. Half of all countries in our Region are...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news