Resolution on universal health coverage before World Health Assembly

Resolution EB138.R5 on “Strengthening essential public health functions in support of the achievement of universal health coverage” will be discussed at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May.

It acknowledges that Goal 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 13 health targets and other health-related targets and goals will require strong intersectoral action. It reaffirms that target 3.8 on universal health coverage (UHC), in particular, will contribute to ending poverty and fighting inequality and injustice and defines what is implied by UHC, while stating that effective and financially sustainable implementation is based on a resilient and responsive health system, which provides comprehensive health care services. In addition there are references to the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as well as to regional resolutions on UHC and countries obligations to implement fully the International Health Regulations (IHR2005) and resolution EBSS3.R1 of the Special Session of the Executive Board on Ebola on prevention, detection and response to health threats.

Member States are urged to take a number of actions including: 

• leadership and ownership in achieving target 3.8 on UHC 
• enhancing international cooperation to achieve UHC
• investing adequate sustainable resources for health system strengthening towards UHC
• enhancing institutional and operational capacity and infrastructure for public health
• investing in the education, recruitment and retention of a fit-for-purpose public health workforce
• ensuring coordination; communication and synergies across sectors and programmes including with other relevant stakeholders
• fostering approaches to tackle the social, environmental and economic determinants of health and health inequity, including gender impacts
• monitoring and evaluating health outcomes

In addition the Director-General should: 

• develop and disseminate guidance on essential public health functions
• facilitate international cooperation and provide support to Member States
• take the lead and facilitate international cooperation supportive to the achievement of the health related goals and targets
• report to the WHA on the implementation of this resolution