Universal Health Coverage Day 2023

In September 2023, world leaders gathered to endorse the second United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), titled “Universal Health Coverage: Expanding Our Ambition for Health and Well-Being in a Post-COVID World.” The inaugural UN Political Declaration on UHC, charted in September 2019, set the trajectory for the global community to attain UHC by 2030 and to leave no one behind which is reinforced in 2023.  The 2023 UHC Political Declaration showcases notable strides in recognizing the significance of integrated, person-centred care compared to its 2019 precursor. It not only upholds but also extends references to this approach, underscoring its pivotal role in attaining global health objectives. Additionally, the 2023 Declaration adopts a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging the importance of coordination across health-related processes during the UN General Assembly.

Yet, the urgency to achieve UHC, especially for those living with, affected by, and/or vulnerable to HIV, TB, and malaria, is more pressing than ever. Shockingly, over half of the global population of approximately 4.5 billion people were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. Financial hardships afflicted 2 billion individuals, with more than 1.3 billion being pushed or further driven into poverty while seeking basic healthcare — highlighting the stark reality of widening health inequities. Key and vulnerable populations of HIV, TB and malaria are at the forefront of facing these challenges. 

Read the full statement below.