The global development history, current status, and challenges of the universal health coverage agenda
10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20240316-00127
- VernacularTitle:全民健康覆盖议程的全球发展历程、现状及挑战
- Author:
Jingtao ZHOU
1
;
Peishan NING
;
Li LI
;
Zhenzhen RAO
;
Guoqing HU
Author Information
1. 中南大学湘雅公共卫生学院流行病与卫生统计学系，长沙 410006
- Keywords:
Universal health coverage;
Sustainable development goals;
Health benefit package
- From:
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology
2024;45(8):1171-1176
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The universal health coverage agenda promotes population health and social equity and is a priority for the WHO and governments worldwide. This article outlines the basic concept, development, content, monitoring indicators, global progress, and challenges of the universal health coverage agenda. After over half a century of development, a global consensus has been reached on the definition and content of the universal health coverage agenda which emphasizes coverage proportion of the population, content of healthcare services, and economic protection measures. The implementation principle of the agenda for universal health coverage is to prioritize providing healthcare services of high health benefits and social value to the entire population under resource constraints. However, the healthcare service recommendations and evaluation frameworks proposed by the WHO and other international organizations tend to favor low-income countries, neglecting services related to injury prevention and mental health, and therefore may not be suitable for all countries. The development across various dimensions of the agenda for universal health coverage is uneven, with low-income countries lagging. Progress in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and injuries is delayed. Low-income groups and vulnerable populations are at a disadvantage in accessing services and economic protection. It is suggested that a globally applicable set of standards, methods, and processes be used to identify high-priority healthcare services. Countries should gradually expand the scope of healthcare services and population coverage based on their needs and capabilities. Additionally, efforts should be made to increase investment in healthcare system resources and international collaboration to promote the development and technological advancement of healthcare systems in low-income countries. Furthermore, it is also necessary to build a high-quality primary healthcare service system and strengthen protection for vulnerable groups.
