International Universal Health Coverage Day being observed today

International Universal Health Coverage Day being observed today (Saturday).

Observance of the day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems.

International Universal Health Coverage Day being observed

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement in connection with the day.

He said: in responding to the pandemic, we have seen rapid innovative approaches to health service delivery and models of care, and advances in preparedness.

He urged that wee must learn from this experience.

“For Universal Health Coverage Day, let us commit to end this crisis and build a safer and healthier future by investing in health systems that protect us all — now.”

Meanwhile, GTV Network HD reproduces what the UN has to say on the day.

International Universal Health Coverage Day 2020: Protect Everyone

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) – the idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care – as an essential priority for international development.

Moreover, on 12 December 2017, the United Nations proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution 72/138.

Specially, International Universal Health Coverage Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners.

Each year on 12 December, UHC advocates raise their voices to share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health.

Bigger and smarter investments in health

They call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health, and encourage diverse groups to make commitments to help move the world closer to UHC by 2030.

Notably 2020 has become a long moment of reckoning for health systems around the world.

While the harsh lessons of COVID-19 are far from new—and while fears and injustices now making headlines reflect the daily reality of millions before the pandemic—the sheer scale of this crisis has sparked new urgency around health systems and universal health coverage.

According to UN, more leaders than ever are paying attention. It also noted more people than ever are rising to demand change.

GTV