World leaders pledge to step up efforts for universal health coverage by 2030

World leaders approved a new Political Declaration on “Universal Health Coverage” during the high-level week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The declaration is hailed as a vital catalyst for the international community to take big and bold actions and mobilize the necessary political commitments and financial investments to attain the UHC target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Dennis Francis, President, 78th session of the General Assembly said “I call on Governments to increase – and improve the quality of – their health care investments, prioritising equitable access and financial protection. All stakeholders must be involved, from Government ministries and civil society to patient groups, providers and citizens.” “The political declaration just approved–seeks to correct course and to identify a path forward for achieving the health and well-being of people, everywhere.”
It is estimated that an additional $200 to $328 billion of investment per year is needed to scale up a primary healthcare approach in low- and middle-income countries. This could help health systems deliver up to 90 percent of essential health services, save at least 60 million lives and increase average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030.