December 12th marks International Universal Health Coverage Day, with this date's main objective being to raise awareness about the need for strong health systems and universal coverage.
In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) placed on the agenda of various governments the need for universal health coverage, making the health systems of each country truly universal and comprehensive. In this sense, the WHO called for “smart investments”, since, it states, “a health system is successful when it works for every citizen.”
COVID-19 has reinforced the need for good healthcare in the community, that is, for it to reach everyone equally. The health of some is the health of others, and this pandemic has reinforced that, for viruses, there are neither borders nor social barriers.
Around the world, millions of people need health services that they cannot access due to the lack of medical care. This day reinforces that everyone, everywhere, has the right to receive quality healthcare at an affordable price. Women, children, adolescents and the most vulnerable, in addition to those mentioned above, are highlighted by the WHO as those who face the greatest barriers in accessing essential health care, and therefore should deserve special attention.
Currently, the WHO encourages international leaders to make greater investments in health by encouraging various groups to help the world achieve universal coverage by 2030.