Opinion: Universal Health Coverage? Not Without Primary Health Care

Published originally by The WellNews on 25 July 2023

Commentary by Dr. Kimberly Green, Global Program Director, Primary Health Care, PATH. Read Full piece HERE

With the COVID-19 pandemic's public health measures fading away, countries are now refocusing on their pre-pandemic commitment to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. UHC aims to provide equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship for everyone. Primary health care (PHC) is seen as the key to reaching this goal, addressing 80%-90% of lifetime health care needs and leading to better health outcomes, improved equity, and cost-efficiency. Despite global commitments, PHC remains underfunded and underutilized, leaving nearly half of the world's population without access to essential services and pushing millions into poverty due to health care expenses. To enable UHC, health security, and better well-being, there is a need for increased investment in PHC, breaking down funding siloes, and embracing a lifecycle approach to health services. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of resilience in PHC systems and workforce, emphasizing the need for digitalization, self-care approaches, and purposive social engagement to build stronger trust in health services. To achieve UHC, PHC must be inclusive, reflecting the needs of all people. Keeping PHC at the top of the global agenda and addressing broader determinants of health are crucial steps towards making health care accessible for all. Dr. Kimberly Green, leading PATH's Primary Health Care program, emphasizes the human right to health care access and calls for access for everyone, not just a select few.