All together – stronger health systems for UHC and health security

In September 2019, at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC, the international community came together behind shared health systems and UHC goals. One year on, the COVID-19 global crisis is a sharp reminder that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality and affordable health services. It reinforces that strong and resilient health systems are vital for both UHC and managing health emergencies.

This session will consider actions and policies to strengthen health systems in ways that contribute to both UHC and health security, and explore how to bring different stakeholders together behind shared objectives. A key message is that investing in core health functions that are fundamental to protecting and promoting health and well-being, known as “common goods for health”, is foundational for strong and resilient health systems.

Presenters will share global and country perspectives on specific actions to address these issues in the context of COVID-19. Audience members will also be invited to contribute recommendations, and a panel discussion will examine how to prioritise and take forward shared approaches towards health systems that protect us all. 

The session is jointly presented by UHC2030 and the “UHC2030 related initiatives” group of health systems networks and collaboratives.

Session moderator: Dr. Josep Figueras, Director of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. 

Discussant: Tolbert Nyenswah, Senior Research Associate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and former Deputy Minister of Health, Liberia

Presentations will include: 

• Common goods for health: foundations for both UHC and health security

Dr. Agnes Soucat, Director of Department Health Systems Governance and Financing, WHO 

• Primary health care: the first line of defence

Beth Tritter, Executive Director Primary Healthcare Performance Initiative

• Access and use of quality data: vital foundations for UHC and health security

Craig Burgess, Health Data Collaborative secretariat, WHO

• South Korea’s COVID-19 response – decisive action based on a strong health system

Professor Soonman Kwon, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, and member of the P4H Network Steering Group

• Leaving no one behind in the Covid19 crisis

Dr. Khuất Thị Hải Oanh, Executive Director, Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI), Vietnam and Advisory Group Member of the UHC2030 Civil Society Engagement Mechanism

Register here

Read more information on UHC2030 vision on health systems that protect everyone.