Cities and local governments take action for health

UHC2030 welcomes the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the largest organization of local and regional governments in the world, as the newest partner to join the partnership taking action for universal health coverage. Speaking at the UCLG’s 2021 Executive Bureau, Ms Gabriela Cuevas, Co-Chair of the UHC2030 Steering Committee, said “We need local leaders to make our health systems truly universal…local authorities are the ones who remain closest to the people. That’s why they must play a central role in the transformation of global agreements into local realities.”

The decision to join UHC2030 was announced during the UCLG’s high-level policy dialogue on health, where Ms Cuevas was a speaker. Also participating on behalf of UHC2030 was Dr Vytenis Andriukaitis, member of the UHC movement political advisory panel and former EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, who added, “Act locally is a necessity. We can deliver on our promise to leave no one behind only if we will do our best to gather with our local communities.”

UCLG is committed to representing, defending, and amplifying the voices of local and regional governments to leave no one behind and no place behind. In joining UHC2030, the network commits to the Global compact for progress toward UHC. “UCLG is officially joining UHC2030, bringing the health and municipal movements closer and [emphasizing] that health care in our territories is fundamental to our communities,” stated Uğur İbrahim Altay UCLG Co-President and Mayor of Konya.

UHC2030 is the global movement to build stronger health systems for UHC. It provides a multi-stakeholder platform which brings together diverse voices and perspectives for the common goal of achieving UHC, sustains momentum around UHC commitments, and promotes collective action.

UHC2030 partners work collectively to influence national and international commitments; hold decision-makers to account; develop common tools, guidance and principles; and shape a shared vision for health systems that protect everyone. The UHC2030 partnership includes governments, international organizations, collaboratives and networks, private sector entities, civil society organizations amd health-related initiatives.