The Challenge
Worldwide, 400 million people lack access to essential health services, and millions are pushed into poverty paying for health. Universal health coverage, which ensures that everyone can access the quality health services they need without suffering financial hardship, was long seen as an unattainable goal. But on 12 December 2012, the United Nations endorsed a resolution urging all countries to work toward health for all. Since 2013, GHS has worked with The Rockefeller Foundation and global partners to build on this momentum and elevate universal health coverage as an urgent, attainable priority for governments and the health and development community.
Worldwide, millions of people are pushed into poverty paying for health services.
The Approach
GHS established Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December as an annual milestone to rally advocates and hold leaders accountable to deliver health for all. As part of this effort, GHS built and continually engages a coalition of 860+ organizations in 117 countries to amplify key messages and push for accelerated progress at the global and local levels. GHS has translated the technical policy of universal health coverage into an energizing, accessible and actionable campaign for health for all, and has enlisted prominent champions, including leading economists and global health leaders, to voice their support.
The Impact
Coalition activities on Universal Health Coverage Day and year-round are fueling the global movement to achieve health for all. The Economists’ Declaration (pictured left) generated growing consensus that universal health coverage makes economic sense. The “Waiting for Health” photo project drove conversation about the human right to health in top-tier media. GHS engaged the Coalition in a campaign to revise the SDG indicator for UHC to ensure it measures financial protection. UHC Day 2016 broke records, with 90+ events in 34 countries and 170+ million Twitter impressions. The day has prompted high-level statements from world leaders, new reports and new health policies.
Universal Health Coverage: Right. Smart. Overdue.
