Brief history

The United Nations has been a staunch supporter of those who are often overlooked or silenced. The International Universal Health Coverage Day is a celebration of the principle that everyone has the right to accessible healthcare. It is a call for all nations to stand by their citizens and ensure that no one is left behind.

This holiday was established in 2017 and is observed annually on December 12. The World Health Organization, The Rockefeller Foundation, Oxfam, World Bank Group, and Save the Children are among the partners of this initiative. This is just one of the many projects undertaken by the United Nations to promote human rights.

Universal health coverage was incorporated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, comprise 17 objectives aimed at creating a more sustainable future for everyone. These objectives were established in 2015 with the intention of being achieved by 2030. They cover areas such as reducing poverty, eradicating hunger, improving health and well-being, providing quality education, promoting gender equality, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, providing affordable and clean energy, creating decent work and promoting economic growth, encouraging industry and innovation, building infrastructure, reducing inequality, creating sustainable cities and communities, promoting responsible consumption and production practices, taking climate action, protecting life below and on land, promoting peace, ensuring justice, strengthening institutions, and fostering partnerships towards achieving the goals.

How It’s Celebrated

On this day, various events and initiatives are held to promote UHC. These may include health fairs, workshops, and public lectures. Governments, healthcare organizations, and civil society groups collaborate to raise awareness and advocate for policies that ensure universal access to healthcare.

The International Day for Universal Health Coverage

Interesting Facts

• According to the WHO, around 1 billion people still lack access to essential health services.
• UHC is a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to achieve health equity by 2030.
• The cost of implementing UHC varies widely across countries, with some facing significant challenges in achieving it.
• UHC requires a multi-sectoral approach, involving not only healthcare but also education, finance, and social protection.
• Achieving UHC is crucial for reducing health inequalities and promoting sustainable development.