The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stakeholders in the health sector to adopt a primary healthcare approach to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). At the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised that investments in health and UHC are crucial for building healthy and resilient societies, highlighting that UHC is a political decision requiring budgetary action.
Currently, over half the world’s population lacks essential health services, with many facing financial hardship to access care. Dr. Githinji Gitahi of Amref Health Africa stressed the need for national leadership in health planning and accountability. As climate change exacerbates health challenges, primary healthcare remains vital, demonstrated by Kazakhstan’s response to recent floods.
Japan announced a UHC hub in Tokyo, while WHO and experts urged increased domestic health financing and efficient use of funds. Despite sufficient global funds, low- and middle-income countries face high debt and limited capacity, impacting their UHC efforts. WHO itself faces a funding shortfall, highlighting the need for better-aligned international funding with national health priorities.
