Every year on December 12, we celebrate International Universal Health Coverage Day. This occasion commemorates the United Nations' unanimous approval of universal health coverage on this date in 2012.

Background and Establishment

1. United Nations Resolution: The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 72/138 on December 12, 2017, officially designating December 12th as International Universal Health Coverage Day. This was a significant step in recognizing health as a critical aspect of development.

2. Significance of UHC: Universal Health Coverage means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. This includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

Objectives

1. Raise Awareness: Increase awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with a focus on equity and quality.

2. Advocate for Health for All: Mobilize diverse stakeholders to advocate for UHC policies, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access quality health services.

3. Promote Action and Accountability: Encourage governments and policymakers to take concrete actions towards achieving UHC and to hold them accountable for their commitments.

Themes and Campaigns

1. Annual Themes: Each year, UHC Day is marked with a specific theme that addresses various aspects of universal health coverage, such as equity, access to essential medicines, health workforce, and financial protection. Themes aim to focus global attention on critical issues and promote collaborative action.

2. Global Campaigns: Campaigns are launched to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, health professionals, civil society, and the private sector. These campaigns often include social media drives, public events, and advocacy efforts to highlight the importance of UHC.

Activities and Initiatives

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate the public about the importance of UHC, including media campaigns, social media engagement, and public service announcements.

2. Policy Dialogues: Conferences, seminars, and roundtable discussions involving policymakers, health professionals, and advocates to discuss strategies for achieving UHC and to share best practices.

3. Community Events: Grassroots events such as health fairs, screenings, and educational workshops to engage communities and promote health awareness and access to services.

Global Impact and Challenges

1. Health Equity: UHC aims to ensure that all people can access the health services they need without financial hardship. This is particularly crucial for marginalized and vulnerable populations who often face barriers to accessing care.

2. Health Systems Strengthening: Achieving UHC requires strong and resilient health systems that can provide a broad range of services, respond to health emergencies, and adapt to changing health needs.

3. Challenges: Significant challenges remain, including inadequate funding, shortage of health workers, inequitable access to services, and financial barriers that prevent people from seeking care.

Calls to Action

1. Invest in Health Systems: Urge governments and stakeholders to invest in strengthening health systems, including infrastructure, workforce, and supply chains.

2. Ensure Financial Protection: Advocate for policies that eliminate financial barriers to health services, ensuring that no one faces financial hardship when accessing care.

3. Promote Equity: Focus on policies and practices that address health inequities and ensure that marginalized and vulnerable populations can access quality health services.

Future Directions

1. Sustainable Financing: Develop sustainable financing models for health systems that ensure long-term investments in UHC and protect individuals from catastrophic health expenditures.

2. Innovative Solutions: Promote the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that enhance the delivery of health services, improve efficiency, and reach underserved populations.

3. Global Collaboration: Strengthen international cooperation and partnerships to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the pursuit of UHC.

Conclusion

International Universal Health Coverage Day is a critical observance that underscores the importance of universal health coverage in achieving health for all. By raising awareness, advocating for equitable health systems, and promoting concrete actions, UHC Day aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere can access the health services they need without financial hardship. Through sustained commitment and collaborative efforts, the global community can move closer to achieving the goal of universal health coverage and ensuring a healthier future for all.