ealth is a fundamental human right. Universal health coverage is a critical tool for achieving health for all. Half of the world’s population still does not have full coverage of essential health services. 100 million people are still being pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare costs. Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are leading causes of death and disability worldwide and account for 71 percent of deaths globally. A shocking 85 percent of premature deaths from NCDs occur in low- and middle-income countries.

On December 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member countries to intensify their initiatives in attaining universal health coverage for their people. The key aim of this developmental initiative was to guarantee that individuals, irrespective of their geographical location, could avail themselves of quality and cost-effective healthcare. The observance of the Universal Health Coverage Day on December 12 every year serves as a reminder to all 191 UN member states, who agreed to try to achieve 17 sustainable development goals by the year 2030. The Goal-3 asks countries to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”

This year, the commemoration presents an opportunity to refresh commitments towards accelerating UHC as countries recover from the overwhelming economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme for this year’s UHC Day is Health for All: Time for Action. It emphasises the need for immediate and tangible steps to create the world we want.........

© The News on Sunday