“Health is a human right. Political commitment and partnerships will be crucial in bringing it to life,” said the Secretary-General spotlighting importance of universal health coverage to achieving development targets in a message marking the World Health Day that falls on April 7.
He said this World Health Day focuses on universal health coverage and the crucial role primary health care plays in making such coverage a reality.
Half the world’s population is still unable to obtain the essential health services they need, Guterres said adding that universal health coverage is about changing this and ensuring equitable access to health services for all, without people experiencing financial hardship as a result.
“This is central to building healthy societies and economies and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the UN chief.
He said it is not just about improving health services but it is about policies and action across many sectors.
“We need to address the broader determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors,” he said.
The UN chief said they must invest in people and they need highly trained and skilled health workers who can educate and advocate for their patients.
“We need empowered individuals who know how to take care of their health and that of their families. And we need communities to have access to health care when and where they need it. We must also highlight the importance of mental health, so often stigmatised and forgotten.”
Guterres said primary healthcare is the key to achieving these goals and universal health coverage. “Last year’s Astana Declaration has paved the way for the world to prioritize the investments we need. Now it’s time to implement the commitments made.”