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As we commemorate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on December 12, one thing is certain: This work can’t wait.
At least half the world's population today still lacks access to essential health services. More than 800 million people spend at least 10% of their household income on health care. Even when services are available, poor-quality care threatens maternal and child health, complicates the management of infectious disease threats, and accelerates the rise of antimicrobial-resistant infections. By 2030, more than 40% of the world’s poorest people will live in a fragile state and will have unmet health needs.
For MSH, Health for All—the original rallying call for UHC—is more than a banner. It’s a promise to work with ministries of health, civil society organizations, and communities to build strong and resilient health systems that deliver quality, affordable health services and medicines to everyone who needs them.
To help make UHC a reality, MSH has worked for decades in countries like Rwanda to help expand coverage of affordable, community-based health insurance; Ukraine to establish a new government agency to promote cost-effective drug procurement; and Malawi to reach millions of people with community-based health services and raise the standard of care in both public and private health facilities.
At the global level, we are working on solutions that will benefit many countries, such as developing a primary health care costing tool that will help low- and middle-income countries mobilize resources and improve services. As the Network Manager for the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage, MSH supports 34 member countries as they identify common challenges and develop practical “how-to’s” for implementing UHC. In the advocacy space, the MSH-supported Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030 is elevating civil society voices to ensure that policies and programs for UHC are inclusive and equitable.
This year’s UHC Day campaign theme says it loud and clear: Keep the Promise of Health for All. At MSH, we will continue to support countries to take bold steps toward UHC; to invest wisely; and to build strong, equitable health systems that truly leave no one behind.
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