By Tracy Romalho | December 2, 2024
On December 12, countries around the globe observed Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of equitable access to essential health services.
This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on the critical need for financial protection to ensure health services are available without causing financial hardship.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, highlighted that approximately half of the world’s population is unable to access one or more essential health services.
He emphasized that two billion people experience financial strain due to out-of-pocket health expenditures, forcing families to choose between healthcare and basic needs, such as food.
Dr. Ghebreyesus reiterated that health is a fundamental human right and the foundation for sustainable development, stressing that access to necessary health services without financial hardship should be a reality for all.
The WHO is working toward a world where everyone can receive healthcare without facing financial ruin.
The theme for this year’s UHC Day, “Health: It’s on the government,” calls for stronger commitments from governments to ensure that all citizens can access the health services they need, regardless of their financial situation.
UHC Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing global effort to make universal health coverage a reality for all people, regardless of their income or social status.