PHM-Exch> WHO makes the case for Universal Health Coverage

[Thomas Schwarz MMI]

"UHC is, by definition, a practical expression of the concern for health
equity and the right to health."

WHO discussion paper, October 2012: Positioning health in the post-2015
development agenda

 <http://www.worldwewant2015.org/file/279357/download/302852>
www.worldwewant2015.org/file/279357/download/302852 

 

In a new discussion paper prepared for the UN consultation on health in the
post-2015 development agenda, WHO makes the case for using Universal Health
Coverage as single overarching health goal. Some extracts:

 

"The current MDGs were conceived as a compact between what developing
countries aspired to achieve and what the developed world needed to do to
ensure progress. Future goals are more likely to be framed in terms of
global challenges that require shared solutions."

 

"Health is central to development: it is a precondition for, as well as an
indicator and an outcome of progress in sustainable development.
Nevertheless, while there is no doubt that health must have a place in the
next generation of development, a convincing case needs to be made for how a
health goal should be framed."

 

"In contrast to the current set of health-related MDGs, there is now a
greater recognition of the need to focus on means as well as ends: health as
a human right; health equity; equality of opportunity; global agreements
(International Health Regulations, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
framework) that enhance health security; stronger and more resilient health
systems; innovation and efficiency as a response to financial constraints;
addressing the economic, social and environmental determinants of health;
and multi-sectoral responses that see health as an outcome of all policies."

 

"In the current context promoting a long list of competing health goals will
be counterproductive. The alternative is to build the case that health is a
concern to all people, and is influenced by and as well contributing to
policies across a wide range of sectors. The challenge then becomes one of
deciding how "health" in this broad sense can be characterized in a way that
is measurable and generates political traction and public understanding."

 

"The goal of achieving UHC has two inter-related components - coverage with
needed health services (prevention, promotion, treatment and rehabilitation)
and coverage with financial risk protection, for everyone." 

 

"Universal Health Coverage is a dynamic process. It is not about a fixed
minimum package, it is about making progress on several fronts: the range of
services that are available to people; the proportion of the costs of those
services that are covered; and the proportion of the population that are
covered. Few countries reach the ideal, but all - rich and poor - can make
progress. It thus has the potential to be a universal goal."

 

"Meaningful universal coverage with health services requires that people
have access to all the services they need."

 

..............

posted by Thomas Schwarz, Executive Secretary

Medicus Mundi International Network

 

Beschreibung: Beschreibung: Beschreibung: UN thematic consultation: Health
in the post-2015 UN development agenda

 

MMI guide: Health in the post-2015 agenda:
<http://www.bit.ly/beyond2015guide> www.bit.ly/beyond2015guide 

MMI guide: Universal Health Coverage:  <http://www.bit.ly/mmi-uhc>
www.bit.ly/mmi-uhc   

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