The United Nations (UN)’s International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is annually observed across the globe on 12 December to raise awareness about the importance of strong and resilient health systems in achieving universal health coverage and to celebrate the progress towards health for all.
- UHC Day also emphasise the need for a healthcare system that not only delivers equitable and quality healthcare but also ensures financial protection for all, irrespective of their geographical location.
The theme of 2023 UHC Day is “Health For All: Time for Action.”
- The theme emphasises the urgency for concrete measures following the 2023 Political Declaration on UHC, in shaping a healthier world.
Background:
i.The Universal Health Coverage Day was first organised on 12th December 2014 by the Universal Health Coverage Coalition.
ii.On 12 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/138 and proclaimed the 12 December of every year as International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.
iii.The first-ever official UN-designated International UHC Day was observed on 12 December 2018.
Why December 12?
It was on this day (12 December) in 2012, the UNGA unanimously endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) as an essential priority for international development.
Significance :
i.The UHC Day offers a strategic platform for countries to recommit to accelerating UHC, especially in the aftermath of the profound socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ii.The collective goal of this observance is to achieve UHC by 2030, by working across sectors, with governments, the private sector, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society.
Aim of 2023 UHC Day campaign:
- recognize and celebrate UHC’s progress in the Region;
- raise awareness to improve understanding of the significance of UHC for societal and economic wellbeing.
- empower the public and civil societies for active engagement with policymakers to deliver on their UHC commitments.
UHC2030:
i.UHC2030 is the global movement to build stronger health systems for UHC.
ii.It provides a platform and space for multiple stakeholders to connect, work together, and influence national and international commitments on health systems strengthening (HSS).
iii.UHC2030’s strategic focus is to mobilise political commitment and collective action for UHC.
Key Facts:
i.The 2023 UHC Global Monitoring Report (GMR) estimated that approximately 2 billion faced financial hardships due to health expenses in 2019. While 4.5 billion lacked basic health services in 2021.
ii.World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that treatment gaps for severe mental illnesses are, ranging from 35–50% in developed nations to 76–90% in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
2023 Events:
On 12 December 2023, WHO hosted a webinar to share findings from the new report, Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage: Improving financial protection in the Western Pacific Region.
Note: The report presents data on the status and trends of financial hardship for 13 countries in the Western Pacific Region from 2000 to 2017.
