WUSME at the UNGA Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing in New York

NEW YORK – April 29th, 2019 – Representatives from public health organizations, civil society, foundations, academia and the private sectors discussed their perspectives on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and shared best practices, during the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing on UHC, which took place last April 29^th, 2019, at the UN headquarters in city of New York. Discussions will contribute to the UNGA’s High-level Meeting UHC to be held on 23 September 2019, in New York, with the overall theme: “Universal Health Coverage: Moving Together to Build a Healthier World”.

Ms. Annie Borello, WUSME Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, attended the event on behalf of the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Upon beginning of the proceedings, UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces stated that the SDG, Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being), while crucial to deliver the entire 2030 Agenda, is “one of the most challenging to achieve” (more…https://sdg.iisd.org/news/stakeholders-bring-inputs-to-unga-meeting-on-universal-health-coverage/).

Indeed, the achievement of a “Universal Health Coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all” is one of the goals of the sustainable development (SDG).

The hearing included three panel discussions on: UHC as a driver of inclusive development and prosperity; UHC as commitment to equity; and multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder action and investments for UHC.

The proceedings highlighted the importance of prevention, at civic and family levels, to limit the costs of Universal Healthcare as well as the strengthening of primary health care. Delegates brought the example of the Thai government, which launched a program based on balancing the cost-benefit in order to extend the best level of care to as many citizens as possible.

In late May 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly will take up several topics related to Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 Agenda.

Photo: Ms. Annie Borello, WUSME Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York