New Delhi: Universal Health Coverage Day, or International Health Coverage Day, is observed on December 12. The day raises awareness to promote affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens globally. Every citizen has the right to have affordable medicine and treatment.
Universal Health Coverage Day was started by the United Nations (UN) in 2017 and was promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, a theme is set for Universal Health Coverage Day. The theme for 2024-2025 is “Health: It’s on the government.” In this article, let us find out the meaning of the theme and some facts about why health coverage is important.
Universal Health Coverage Day 2024: What is the theme for this year?
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed every year on December 12. According to World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s theme, “Health: It’s on the government”, highlights the important role of governments in ensuring that no one has to choose between health care and essential needs like food.
This year, the WHO calls on governments worldwide to provide financial protection for health care.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to give everyone access to quality health services without causing financial strain. Over the past 20 years, financial protection has declined: 2 billion people face financial difficulties, and 1.3 billion have fallen into poverty due to out-of-pocket health expenses.
Many individuals delay or skip lifesaving treatments, leading to worse health outcomes and a cycle of illness and poverty.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, one in eight people struggle with financial hardship, spending more than 10 per cent of their income on essential health care. This adds to the challenges in a region where nearly two-thirds of the population already face barriers to getting the care they need.
Without affordable health care, many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—such as economic growth, peace, and resilience—will remain unattainable.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is a chance for governments to pledge their commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030 and to speed up efforts so that health care is not a financial burden for anyone.
Health is a human right. According to this year’s theme, governments must ensure that health expenses do not push people into poverty. Investing in financial protection for UHC improves health and strengthens communities and economies by increasing productivity and job participation.
Despite global efforts to advance UHC, over half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services. The situation is worse in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: nearly two-thirds of the population cannot access necessary care, putting them at risk and increasing social and economic gaps.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day emphasises the crucial role of governments in ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all. The theme for this year is “Health: It’s on the government,” Read on to learn more about the theme. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
