UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE DAY 2023

Universal Health Coverage Day, observed annually on December 12th, serves as a global commitment to advancing health for all and highlights the imperative for resilient health systems capable of overcoming challenges. In 2023, the day gains added significance as nations navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic's profound economic and social impact. The Western Pacific Region has made commendable strides in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage index, measuring population access to essential health services, yet financial protection in the region has declined from 2000 to 2019, leading to an increase in households facing catastrophic health expenditures. The theme for this year's UHC Day is "Health for All: Time for Action," urging concrete steps to address lingering inequities in service coverage and financial burdens exacerbated by the pandemic. Emphasizing the urgency of equitable access to essential health services without causing financial strain, the campaign builds on the momentum from the second United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC in September 2023. It aims to redirect political attention and financial investments toward accelerating progress in achieving universal health coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO), with a 75-year history of supporting global health, remains steadfast in its commitment to health for all. The key objectives of the 2023 UHC Day campaign include acknowledging and celebrating progress in the Western Pacific Region, raising awareness about the societal and economic importance of UHC, empowering the public and civil societies to actively engage policymakers in fulfilling UHC commitments and highlighting progress in enhancing financial protection in the region. To provide insights into these efforts, WHO will host a webinar on December 12, 2023, unveiling the latest report on "Progress towards universal health coverage: improving financial protection in the Western Pacific Region," featuring key speakers and experts from the region.