…..UHC: WHO urges countries to step up investments
ASHENEWS reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to step up their investments in Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The WHO stated this in a statement issued to commemorate this year’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.
The WHO observed that while countries had stepped up their spending on health in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, more action is needed to achieve universal health coverage.
The organization also published the 2023 global health expenditure report, an analysis that sheds light on the evolution of global health spending at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“the report reveals that in 2021 global spending on health reached a new high of US$ 9.8 trillion or 10.3% of global gross domestic product (GDP).
“Nevertheless, the distribution of spending remained grossly unequal. Public spending on health had increased across the world, except in low-income countries where government health spending decreased and external health aid played an essential supporting role.”
However, the WHO said that the scale of growth in public spending on health observed during this period is unlikely to be sustained, as countries shift focus to handle other economic priorities such as slowing growth, high inflation rates, and increased debt servicing obligations associated with rising indebtedness.
“Sustained public financing on health is urgently needed to progress towards universal health coverage. It is especially critical at this time when the world is confronted by the climate crisis, conflicts, and other complex emergencies.
“People’s health and well-being need to be protected by resilient health systems that can also withstand these shocks,” the statement quoted Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course.
