OECD - a new partner perspective

OECD writes:

"The OECD has become a partner of UHC2030 at the World Health Assembly in May 2017. Our core mission to promote policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world brings much relevant experience to the work of UHC2030.

Our work has shown that UHC contributes to promoting more inclusive growth; improves health outcomes; and is affordable for countries especially if implemented through equity driven approaches on a path to progressive realization.

Fundamentally, our work has shown that achieving and sustaining UHC requires the right policies. Most OECD countries have already achieved UHC. Their experiences – both positive and negative – provide huge learning opportunities for other countries. For example, efforts to secure health coverage must go hand in hand with policies to deliver safe, effective, and responsible health systems.

The effective use of health human resources and skills to meet the demands of health future systems has been recognised by our joint work with WHO and the ILO implementing the recommendations from the UN Secretariat General High-level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth.

Effective UHC can benefit from appropriate use of digital and other health technologies. The importance of dialogue between health and budget officials to deliver sustainable health financing is yet another area where learning from OECD experience can be beneficial to others. These policies can help make health systems more people-centred, as highlighted by OECD Health Ministers at their meeting in January 2017. 

The OECD has a unique capacity to work horizontally, bringing together in depth experience in areas beyond health, including science and innovation, fiscal policies, labour markets, education and social policy. Our Development Co-operation Directorate retains a close interest in the aid effectiveness work already done by IHP+.

Our Development Centre, whose membership includes 25 developing and emerging economies, is actively working in areas relative to UHC policies notably through the “pro-poor UHC” research stream which sheds light on how UHC policy trade-offs relate to equity and poverty reduction goals in developing and emerging countries.

The OECD is delighted to have joined UHC 2030. Our analytical capacity, horizontal perspective, and close partnerships with governments and wider stakeholders give us the opportunity to build strong political momentum around a shared vision for health system strengthening. We stand ready to help countries achieve and maintain UHC in line with Sustainable Development Goals, and look forward to work with partners to achieve this fundamental goal."