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SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE DAY

New York, 12 December 2021

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must urgently strengthen our health systems to ensure they are equitable, resilient and capable of meeting everyone’s needs, including for their mental health.

COVID-19 has reached nearly every part of the world, but health coverage still has not.  The shockwaves of this health emergency are hitting...

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Universal Health Coverage Day

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) as an essential priority for international development.

In 2014, the Universal Health Coverage Coalition started celebrating 12 December as UHC Day, to commemorate the date on which the UN General Assembly officially recognised the importance of UHC. Since then, the day has become the annual rallying point for the global movement for Health for All. 

In 2017, the UNGA proclaimed 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution, making it an official UN-designated day. 

UHC Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage. Each year on 12.12, UHC advocates raise their voices to share the stories of the millions of people worldwide still waiting for health, to call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health, and to remind the world that Health for All is a human right and an imperative to create equitable and resilient societies.

The 2023 UHC Day Theme is "Health for All: Time for Action"

This year’s theme emphasizes the need for immediate and tangible steps following the 2023 Political Declaration on UHC. It urges leaders to enact policies that guarantee equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship. 

The theme also reminds us that, in a world that continues to experience a growing number of climate-related health threats, now is the time to invest in resilient health systems that will ensure #HealthForAll. By working across sectors – governments, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society – we can hold our leaders accountable and make universal health coverage a reality by 2030.

Sign up for our UHC Day updates and visit uhcday.org to access this year's campaign resources!

UHC2030's role

Since our establishment in 2016, UHC2030 has supported the organization of UHC Day events. But our role is growing.

Another 2017 UNGA resolution also recognised UHC2030 as the most relevant group to support to Member States in developing and strengthening sustainable UHC initiatives at the national level. Building on this experience and mandate, UHC2030 is uniquely positioned to coordinate partners around UHC Day across the world and is now leading these efforts.

Leading transparently and collaboratively, UHC2030 convenes a multi-stakeholder Coordination Group on International UHC Day (12.12.CG) that includes Member States, multilateral organisations, health-related initiatives, civil society, parliamentarians, philanthropic foundations, the private sector and academia.

The 12.12.CG is responsible for developing the identity and campaign materials for UHC Day, building on the existing efforts of other relevant UHC initiatives.

Useful resources

• UHC Day website
• UHC Day Substack
• UHC Day 2023 Report
• UHC Day Identity Guide
• Coordination Group Terms of Reference

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Universal health coverage day: leave no one’s health behind 12 december 2021.

12 December 2021, Dubai – Today, the world celebrates Universal Health Coverage Day -- the annual rallying point for the growing movement to ensure the right to health for every one, everywhere.

Universal Health Coverage Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations' historic and unanimous endorsement of a resolution in 2012 urging countries to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) -- aimed at ensuring that people can access the quality health services they need, without suffering financial hardship.

The theme of this year's campaign is "Leave no one's health behind: Invest in health systems for all". It reflects the vital importance of building stronger, safer and fairer health systems that can provide essential health care services to all who need them in a timely manner, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries of WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region joined the global movement for UHC, reinforcing their commitment to achieve UHC through the Salalah Declaration of 2018 and the United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC in 2019. However, progress since then has been mixed, and the COVID-19 pandemic has represented a huge setback.

"The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in health systems globally and, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, exacerbated health inequities and made the situation of vulnerable populations even more precarious. Health systems in our Region have been put under extreme pressure, with severe disruption to immunization campaigns and other essential health services," Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said in a joint celebration co-hosted today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates at EXPO 2020 Dubai.

In his speech during the opening of the celebration, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention in the United Arab Emirates, thanked WHO for choosing the United Arab Emirates to host this global event to strengthen capacities, step up efforts, and take advantage of accumulated experiences and knowledge to bring about tangible changes to benefit humanity and public health.

"By hosting this event, which coincides with the celebrations of the UAE's 50th National Day, in cooperation with WHO and Expo 2020 Dubai, we are sending a positive message to revive hope and optimism for the world that we are able to build together a better and healthy future for generations to come and to promote equal opportunities in health services around the world, which is a basic human right and a basic priority to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," added Al Owais.

The health minister affirmed the United Arab Emirates support for hosting joint international initiatives and events to promote UHC, based on the values of fraternity, human solidarity, and equality of rights, which are fundamental pillars of the country's directions.

He shed light on the role played by the United Arab Emirates in supporting medical and humanitarian aid and vaccination campaigns around the world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The UAE has also demonstrated exceptional capabilities in pandemic management and governance, thanks to the efficiency of its health system, national resilience in coping with all changes, and its global leadership in providing vaccines, which contributed to preserving the state's gains and international participation in planning the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic," Al Owais said in conclusion.

During his participation in the Walk the Talk event held earlier today, as part of marking UHC day, H.E. Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, said:

"I'm thrilled to be participating in this event, right here in the heart of EXPO 2020 Dubai, the important global platform that is shedding light on a range of prominent global topics. With the guidance of our wise leadership, the United Arab Emirates continues to make endless efforts to ensure the readiness of broad health coverage for the community, through advanced and integrated health insurance systems that enhance the quality and availability of services provided to members of society. Today, we gather in the presence of local and international partners to exchange experiences and knowledge and discuss ways that will help improve our global efforts in providing advanced health care for global societies. We also recognize the pivotal role played by the frontline heroes in delivering health care to individuals, while raising awareness of the importance of regular physical activity to improve and maintain the health of community members."

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical need for preparedness in the face of health emergencies and highlighted huge disparities in countries' abilities to cope with and recover from the crisis.

As of March 2021, 43% of countries had reported disruption to primary health care, while 45% had reported disruption to rehabilitative, palliative and long-term care. Life-saving emergency, critical and surgical interventions were affected in nearly one fifth of countries, and more than two thirds of countries reported disruption to elective surgeries. A vast range of other services -- from mental health to dental care, cancer screening and family planning -- have also suffered.

Community fear and mistrust, travel restrictions and financial difficulties have provided significant challenges during the outbreak, and services have also been hampered by supply-side problems, especially staff shortages.

Universal Health Coverage Day this year includes a series of events from 12 to 16 December. In addition to the WHO/Ministry of Health and Prevention joint event, Dubai Expo 2021 has dedicated a full day to celebrating key milestones in the journey towards UHC, including the upcoming release of the Global monitoring report on universal health coverage 2021, the Global monitoring report on financial protection in health 2021, the Global expenditure report 2021, and the Global survey on health technology assessment and health benefit packages: interactive database and findings.

For more information see WHO's regional Universal Health Coverage Day page .

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14 december 2017, remarks at the universal health coverage forum, antónio guterres.

I thank our co-organizers and commend the government of Japan for its leadership and vision in hosting this meeting.   Thank you also to Prime Minister Abe for his exciting announcement of US$2.9 billion for universal health coverage programmes.   Prime Minister Abe, your commitment to ensuring health for all – both here in Japan and around the world – is truly inspiring. The announced programme highlights the importance of integrated action to deliver on the sustainable development agenda.   Ladies and Gentlemen,   Our topic today – health – and our venue – Tokyo – are perfectly matched.   Japan was one of the first countries to demonstrate the power of universal health coverage, achieving it in 1961 and unlocking economic growth for the decades that followed.   Next September, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Alma Alta Declaration, which famously set out a goal of achieving health for all.   Just two days ago, the world marked Universal Health Coverage Day.   Universal health coverage means just that: care and services for everyone.   Equitable access.   Quality care.   Affordable services.   Our goal must be to protect and promote physical and mental well-being for all.   Health is both an outcome and a driver of progress.   It is at the centre of our vision of a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.   And it is central to the peace and security agenda.   When we invest in health – particularly of women and adolescents – we build more inclusive and resilient societies.  

All of this will require more integrated health systems capable of responding effectively and equitably to the unique needs of their communities. This means stronger surveillance systems, greater social protection mechanisms and more efficient delivery systems. With a projected shortfall of some 14 million medical professionals in 2030, increased investments in a more robust workforce will also be important.   In a globalized world, we must also build systems that can detect and respond to health crises.  

Our experience with tuberculosis underscores the challenge.   In 2016, roughly 4.1 million new cases of tuberculosis were not officially reported. Moreover, only one-in-five cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis began treatment, while most who are eligible for preventive treatment are not receiving it.   Universal Health Coverage provides the umbrella necessary to help close such gaps. Through stronger, resilient health systems that are people-centred and human-rights based, the quality of services and access to those services will be improved across the board.   Bold and creative partnerships across sectors will also be crucial in addressing the social and economic determinants of health.   Ladies and Gentlemen,   Health is a right for all.   In a new development era, we must have more streamlined and sustainable financing for health that leverages linkages across sectors.   We know that every $1 spent on health yields up to $20 in full-income growth within a generation.   Political commitment will be critical to unlocking these investments.   There is of course no “one size fits all” solution, and each country must walk its own path toward universal health coverage. The United Nations stands ready to support the development and implementation of national plans that benefit all.  We look forward to the General Assembly High-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage in 2019.

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Youth Engagement

Building strong healthcare systems is an investment in the future., young people make up a significant portion of the world’s population. their voices are a crucial part of discussions about the future of health systems they will live within their communities. ​, uhc is about imagining a better future where everyone can access quality healthcare without financial hardship. building equitable health systems requires we give young people a chance to be architects of their future and make sure their voices are heard. , lack of affordable, quality health care traps people, communities, and nations in poverty. research shows that even before the covid-19 pandemic, more than half a billion people were pushed into extreme poverty because of out-of-pocket health costs.  , a strong uhc movement joins the larger conversation around equity and society. the movement wants to create a system where everyone can have a healthy future.  , health is part of several critical conversations of our modern times. the intersection of health across other issue areas is crucial in making healthy futures for all, whether it be the climate crisis, displacement and migration, lgbtqi+ identity, sexual health and reproductive rights, and mental health.  , youth competition.

Looking to get involved in this year’s UHC Day campaign? Join the youth competition! 

The competition is designed to have three packages, each containing activities in which young people can participate to be eligible for the prize designated for that category. Everyone who completes the activities in the first action package will receive the prize, but for action packages 2 and 3, participants will enter a draw for the prize. The competition is open to both individuals and groups.

Please visit the  uhc day youth competition document  for complete information about how the competition works. you will also find a series of guidelines to support you in taking the actions outlined in the action packages. please also read the submission guidelines before submitting your activities  via this form . the deadline to submit your activities is 7 december, 2022., youth resources.

To participate in UHC activities all year-round, please use the resources below. 

UHC Youth Talking Points

How to record and submit short-form videos  , how to write a letter to your representative or government official  , how to write an op-ed about uhc  , how to organize a uhc panel  .

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WATCH: In Memorial Day address, Biden says each generation has to ‘earn’ freedom

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with a pledge that the country would continue the work of the nation’s fallen toward creating a more perfect union, “for which they lived, and for which they died.”

Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above.

Delivering remarks at a solemn remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery , Biden said each generation must ensure the sacrifice of the country’s service members is not in vain.

“Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies in the memorial amphitheater. “Every generation has to earn it, fight for it, defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few, and the rights of many.”

He added: “On this day, we came together again to reflect, to remember, and above all, to recommit to the future they fought for, a future grounded in freedom, democracy, opportunity and equality. Not just for some, but for all.”

Before the ceremony began, Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

WATCH: Biden delivers commencement address to graduating West Point cadets

In his remarks, Biden invoked the anniversary this week of the death of his son Beau, who served in Iraq and later died from brain cancer that the president attributes to his time stationed near toxic burn pits , to highlight the importance of honoring the service of those who came home with injuries, in addition to the dead.

“Last year, the VA delivered more benefits and processed more claims than ever in our history,” Biden said, crediting the PACT Act which grants automatic coverage for certain health conditions suffered by veterans by presuming they result from their military service. “For too long after fighting for our nation, these veterans had to fight to get the right health care, to get the benefits they had earned, not anymore.”

Biden began the day hosting a breakfast at the White House for administration officials, military leaders, veterans, and Gold Star family members.

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Biden Says Each Generation Has to 'Earn' Freedom, in Solemn Memorial Day Remarks

President Joe Biden is making a Memorial Day pledge that his country will continue the work of the nation’s fallen toward a more perfect union, “for which they lived, and for which they died.”

Biden Says Each Generation Has to 'Earn' Freedom, in Solemn Memorial Day Remarks

Susan Walsh

President Joe Biden, left, joined by, from left, Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Major Gen. Trevor Bradenkamp, pause during an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with a pledge that the country would continue the work of the nation's fallen toward a more perfect union, "for which they lived, and for which they died."

Delivering remarks at a solemn remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden said each generation must ensure the sacrifice of the country's service members is not in vain.

“Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies in the memorial amphitheater. “Every generation has to earn it, fight for it, defend it in the battle between autocracy and democracy, between the greed of a few, and the rights of many.”

He added: “On this day, we came together again to reflect, to remember, and above all, to recommit to the future they fought for, a future grounded in freedom, democracy, opportunity and equality. Not just for some, but for all.”

Before the ceremony began, Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In his remarks, Biden invoked the anniversary this week of the death of his son Beau, who served in Iraq and later died from brain cancer that the president attributes to his time stationed near toxic burn pits, to highlight the importance of honoring the service of those who came home with injuries, in addition to the dead.

“Last year, the VA delivered more benefits and processed more claims than ever in our history," Biden said, crediting the PACT Act which grants automatic coverage for certain health conditions suffered by veterans by presuming they result from their military service. “For too long after fighting for our nation, these veterans had to fight to get the right health care, to get the benefits they had earned, not anymore.”

Biden began the day hosting a breakfast at the White House for administration officials, military leaders, veterans, and Gold Star family members.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Biden Marks Memorial Day With Message About Freedom as Trump Lashes Out

An earlier message from Donald J. Trump was more traditional, but it was quickly followed by one wishing a happy Memorial Day to “Human Scum.”

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By Michael D. Shear

Reporting from Washington

President Biden paid tribute to veterans who died in America’s wars at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, hailing them as “a link in the chain of honor” who deserve recognition for protecting the nation’s democracy.

“Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Mr. Biden said in a nine-minute Memorial Day address, moments after placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

“Every generation has to earn it. Fight for it. Defend it in battle between autocracy and democracy,” he said of the nation’s veterans. “Our democracy is more than just a system of government. It’s the very soul of America.”

His somber message was a sharp contrast to that of former President Donald J. Trump, his challenger for re-election this year, who posted an angry and incendiary Memorial Day message on his social media site.

“Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country,” the former president wrote on Truth Social.

Mr. Trump also wished a happy Memorial Day to Lewis Kaplan, the federal judge who oversaw the trials in which the former president was accused of defamation. Mr. Trump called Judge Kaplan “the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge.” He also called Justice Arthur F. Engoron, who presided over Mr. Trump’s civil fraud case, a “wacko.”

In an earlier, more traditional Memorial Day missive on Truth Social, Mr. Trump posted a photograph of himself saluting a wreath while he was president, and saying “WE CAN NEVER REPLACE THEM. WE CAN NEVER REPAY THEM. BUT WE CAN ALWAYS REMEMBER.”

But his vitriolic post followed a few minutes later as a reminder of the stark differences between the two rivals for the White House. As has been the case for years, either as president or as a presidential candidate, Mr. Trump showed that he would not be held to the norms of behavior that guide the nation’s leaders on a somber national holiday.

By contrast, Mr. Biden’s appearance was typical of the kind of message delivered by other presidents in both parties.

He focused mostly on the sacrifices of the past — members of the military who died in Afghanistan, Korea, Vietnam and the two world wars.

“Our fallen heroes have brought us closer today,” he said. “We’re not just fortunate heirs of their legacy. We have a responsibility to be the keepers of their mission, that truest memorial of their lives.”

Mr. Biden did not mention the wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, where he has pledged not to send American service members to fight alongside allies in Ukraine or Israel. The United States has been drawn into both conflicts nonetheless. The military is helping to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza and is equipping and supporting fighters in both places against Russia and Hamas.

Mr. Biden took a moment during the speech to remember his son Beau, who died of brain cancer after serving in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. The president has long said he believes his son developed his cancer as a result of living next to open “burn pits” in Iraq, where the military would burn waste, producing toxic smoke that nearby soldiers breathed in.

“This week marks nine years since I lost my son,” the president said, being careful to add that Beau Biden’s death was “not the same” as those of soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

”The pain of his loss is still with me every day as it is with you,” he said. “Still sharp, still clear. But so is the pride.”

It is that pride, the president said, that Americans must remember when service members return home from battle, or when their grieving family members receive their remains.

Mr. Biden has repeatedly said he believes that the country’s “most sacred” obligation is to take care of the military members who return home from battle, or to care for the relatives of those who have died. On Monday, he repeated that pledge again.

He hailed the passage in 2022 of legislation that he championed to make it easier for service members to receive health care and other benefits for ailments most likely caused by burn pits and other toxic exposures.

Mr. Biden said the legislation and other efforts to support veterans was an expression of gratitude from a thankful nation.

“Gratitude to our fallen heroes,” he said. “Gratitude to the families left behind. And gratitude to the brave souls who continue to uphold the flame of liberty all across our country and around the world.”

Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

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