Videos on universal health coverage

20 February 2013 -- In these videos Ministers discuss universal health coverage in the context of their respective countries. The explanations highlight the multitude of angles and approaches that can be taken when addressing universal health coverage. Interviews with WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan and the World Bank Vice President Tamar Atinc provide further perspective on the topic. The videos were taken on the sidelines of the universal health coverage meeting co-hosted by WHO and the World Bank in Geneva on 18-19 February 2013.

• View the universal health coverage videos

Top officials from health and finance ministries from 27 countries joined other high-level health and development stakeholders at a two-day meeting this week in Geneva to discuss ways that countries are progressing towards universal health coverage. Delegates expressed strong support for the ideas underlying universal health coverage: that everyone, irrespective of their ability to pay, should have access to the health services they need, without putting their families at financial risk.

• Read the statement on the ministerial meeting

The goal of universal health coverage is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them. This requires:

• a strong, efficient, well-run health system;
• a system for financing health services;
• access to essential medicines and technologies;
• a sufficient capacity of well-trained, motivated health workers.

• Definition of universal health coverage

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution urging governments to move towards providing all people with access to affordable, quality health-care services. The resolution emphasizes the important role that health plays in achieving international development goals.

• More on the UN Resolution on universal health coverage