UHC2023: Universal Health Coverage Starts with Primary Care

Campaign image by WONCA

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12th, serves as a global reminder of the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for everyone, everywhere. In 2023, the theme revolves around the ongoing efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to health services.

As the world faces unprecedented health challenges, including pandemics and emerging diseases, the importance of UHC becomes even more evident. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, underscored the vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide. UHC Day 2023 is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing global health coverage and address the gaps that persist.

This year’s five UHC Day subthemes focus on specific actions to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.

• Invest in universal health coverage
• Strengthen health systems
• Expand primary health care
• Work across sectors and communities
• Promote innovation to reach everyone


Image Credit: universalhealthcoverageday.org

The Role of Primary Care

WONCA represents more than half a million family physicians and primary care professionals in 111 countries across 7 regions. Each year, WONCA joins the campaign to highlight the crucial role of primary care in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Our campaign "Universal Health Coverage Starts with Primary Care," focuses on expanding primary health care as a cornerstone of UHC. Acting as the frontline guard against illness, primary care serves as an all-in-one solution—cost-effective, inclusive, and essential for ensuring health for everyone.

Today, on #UniversalHealthCoverage Day, let's acknowledge the backbone of healthcare—Primary Care. Affordable and inclusive, Primary health care can deliver 90% of the essential health services people need.

it's time to ensure health reaches every corner of the world!

Learn more about Universal Health Coverage Day and discover the materials you can use to join this campaign.
universalhealthcoverageday.org/event/world-organization-of-family-doctors/

Universal Health Coverage Day Official Toolkit