Remarks by the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly,  

Mr. Dennis Francis,  

at the Opening of the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage

[As Delivered]  

21 September 2023  

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Guests,

 

Our world is in a very different place today than it was in 2019.

As the Covid pandemic reminded us all too painfully, healthy people are the foundation of healthy societies and economies.

Today, we are here to scale up our actions and investments in universal health coverage.

To ensure that everyone receives quality health services, when and where needed – without incurring financial hardship.

And to ensure that no one is left behind.

Indeed, health and sustainable development are two sides of the same coin.

As an issue that cuts across every Sustainable Development Goal, health tells us how well we are delivering on our entire 2030 Agenda – from ending poverty and tackling climate change, to building safe and peaceful societies.

Yet today, the growing burden of out-of-pocket expenses has become a significant barrier to health care access across the globe.

Every year, millions of people are impoverished by the costs of health care.

High costs keep essential health services out of reach.

There is no reason for this to be the norm.

Excellencies,

By expanding primary health care interventions, national health care systems can better cover the costs of essential health care services.

This could potentially save 60 million lives by 2030.

Strengthened in this way, health systems could better help communities respond to and recover from shocks – all while preventing backsliding on health outcomes.

I call on Governments to increase – and improve the quality of – their health care investments, prioritising equitable access and financial protection.

All stakeholders must be involved, from Government ministries and civil society to patient groups, providers and citizens.

Our focus must be on serving the most vulnerable:

  • persons living with disabilities,
  • indigenous peoples,
  • mothers, newborns and children, in particular.

And while keeping a gender perspective in mind, countries also need a well-equipped health care workforce with fair compensation and decent working conditions.

The political declaration just approved–seeks to correct course and to identify a path forward for achieving the health and well-being of people, everywhere.

Excellencies,

Rapid progress towards universal health coverage is ambitious – and it is achievable, as many countries will showcase today.

We can and must do better.

Together, with political leadership from the top down, we can ensure that everyone has access to the health services they need.

These are not simply matters of health.

These are fundamental issues of social justice, equity and human rights.

Let us work together to radically transform our health systems and create a world where health and well-being is no longer a privilege for the few – but a respected right for all.

 

I thank you.