Abstract
This Chapter examines the evolution in global thinking on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the role of Health Systems Strengthening. It describes the path from primary health care to health systems and UHC. The concept of UHC is elucidated by introducing its dimensions, intermediary objectives and ultimate goals; and by explaining what it does and does not mean in practice. The Chapter also explains how progress towards UHC can be measured and hence monitored as per the Sustainable Development Agenda. It also summarizes the challenges that low and middle-income countries (L&MICs) face to advance UHC. The Chapter concludes by illustrating the interlinkage between UHC and health security based on lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Making Health Systems Work in Low and Middle Income Countries |
| Subtitle of host publication | Textbook for Public Health Practitioners |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Pages | 34-50 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781009211086 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781009211093 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2022 |
Keywords
- Catastrophic health expenditures
- Financial protection
- Global health security
- Health System Strengthening
- Impoverishment
- L&MIC
- Population coverage
- Service coverage
- Service coverage index
- UHC challenges
- UHC definition
- UHC measurement
- Universal Health Coverage