UHC is considered one of the most (biggest and most important) goals and challenges in the field of health at the present stage in the world today. UHC on the other hand refers to the practice of providing good quality health facilities and without causing unreasonable expenses to all the people in any society. However, as assumed by many nations, the achievement of UHC is not an unattainable dream. Given synergy, strategic orientations and commitment, one can define a dream of achieving the goal of UHC.

Universal Health Coverage ensures equitable access to preventive, curative, and supportive healthcare for all, regardless of economic or social class.

That is why UHC cannot be considered unimportant. The right to health is inalienable, so it is unfair that treatment, which is needed by all, is an opportunity only for some people. UHC makes it possible for all populace to obtain and afford quality health services irrespective of their economic and social class, geographical location or ethnicity. These are preventive, curative, restorative and supportive care for all illnesses and injuries.

Moral argument is universal health coverage must be attained, and they must be attained economically. Research has found out that if people within a given area are healthy, they produce more, thus increasing economic returns and less volatility. Also, with UHC, there will be fairness and reduced differences between the richest and the poorest since those who are poor cannot afford to pay healthcare bills.

One of the misunderstandings that people nowadays have about UHC is that it must be unattainable for the nations with lower revenues or for developing countries altogether. Despite the barriers like shortage of funds, poor health care systems, facility and communication infrastructures to support the cause, such barriers can easily be jumped when properly planned for. Many nations have scored highly on healthcare efficiency to the population, especially in the low and middle-income countries.

For example, Rwanda which has recorded high incidences of poverty and conflict has successfully rolled-out a community-based health insurance program that guarantees more than ninety percent of its populations. The high success in this regard is owed to a highly supportive government, the engagement of the community and international collaboration.

Thailand and Sri Lanka also have achieved high level of UHC by extending their spanning on primary health care, public health sector norms and health insurance to cover most of the vulnerable segment of the community.

Health systems are central to advancing the objective of UHC. Efficiency and fairness when delivering HSR services and accessibility by everyone can be deemed as key characteristics of a strong healthcare system. The key to a good UHC system is primary care, which is preventive, diagnostic, and costs-efficient levels of care.

Countries like Rwanda, Thailand, and Sri Lanka exemplify UHC success through community-based programs, strong leadership, and international collaboration.

Much attention must be put on developing primary health care facilities, human resources, and services in the rural and other hard to reach areas. This paradigm can not only release the pressure generated from hospitals but also lead to enhanced long-term health benefits resulting from health care that targets community-based problems.

The other feature of UHC is finances since people are protected from financial hardship when requiring these services. People, especially those in the low-income countries, have no choice other than to decide whether to pay for their health care or for basic goods and services in the community. Expenditure on medical care can generate severe financial impacts, taking families and consumers deeper into poverty.

To avoid this, governments should ensure that mechanisms of financing health are well developed to allow all classes of people access quality health care. These may be in the form of SHI schemes, subsidies to the poor, in addition to collaborating with other stakeholders in the reduction of the cost of health care. International financial support through third parties such as the World Bank and WHO may also help fill up for the health financing systems in countries that are badly off in terms of resource endowment.

In addition, there is need for political commitment and good leadership to attain the UHC. Health must be made part of the government structures’ priorities; the proper financial resources must be provided; and proper strategies have to be adopted in order to insure people around the countries. This needs the engagement of health ministers that also include finance, education, and social welfare ministers.

Political will plays a crucial role in designing, implementing and sustaining broad- based political buy- in on UHC agenda and equity. Most of the countries that have embarked on process towards achieving UHC have had mediators, with visionaries in the leadership calling for health as human rights and advocating equitable access.

There is also the need for synergy between the governments, civil society organizations, regional and international organizations and the private sector. Hence, there is need for stakeholders’ involvement in the implementation strategies to realists UHC. There is a need for the government and/or other agencies to involves NGOs, and private practices because there needs to be broad health strategies that are culturally sensitive and sensitive to the different cultures in the societies.

Efficient health financing, including subsidies and international support, reduces the financial burden on vulnerable populations and prevents poverty traps.

There are multi stakeholders’ organizations like the Global Fund and GAVI Alliance that have enhanced support for health projects in the developing nations by offering funding, technological and professional assistance for system strengthening.

Also, more can be done by private entities through pushing for the availability of cheap drugs and technologies in the market, enhancement of health care systems to apply new innovations in the solution of various health issues.

COVID19 has demonstrated that health systems should be strong and resistive and Universal Health Coverage is essential. COVID-19 has unfortunately galvanized the existing disparities in health care and the susceptible population in each country.

COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of robust health systems and UHC to mitigate disparities and protect vulnerable communities globally.

The virus however, selectively impacted communities with compromised health, the elderly and vulnerable, and those in poverty within many countries. It has exposed how necessary it is to spend money on the implementation of UHC so that anyone – man, woman or child – can get the right healthcare they need to live healthy lives.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.