Some ideas are almost universally accepted, such as the idea that everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. To help raise awareness of the need for strong, resilient health systems, the United Nations General Assembly declared December 12th International Universal Health Coverage Day, encouraging diverse groups to help move the world to universal healthcare and support millions of people who are underserved.1
Currently, at least half of the people in the world do not receive the health services they need.2 The ramifications of this can affect their entire family, including implications in how a household functions and financial impacts. For instance:
- About 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty each year because of out-of-pocket spending on healthcare2
- Over 930 million people spend at least 10% of their household income on healthcare2
When individuals’ and families’ healthcare needs are met, there can be a ripple effect on wellbeing. Universal health coverage can help people avoid poverty, as it prevents the financial hardship that paying for quality health services can bring.3
Investing in inclusive health systems is critical to our shared global future, with countries around the world making commitments to advancing universal healthcare.4 Sharing our collective experience, knowledge and energy can help provide people with access to the care they need to help them pursue the lives they deserve.
Sources:
1 - https://www.un.org/en/observances/universal-health-coverage-day
2 - https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1
3 - https://universalhealthcoverageday.org/
4 - https://www.uhc2030.org/what-we-do/voices/accountability/the-state-of-uhc-commitment/