Global arguments about monitoring the progress of Universal Health Coverage and health financing measures

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a key target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. UHC is a comprehensive approach to improving access to health without financial burden, which is a fundamental human right and provides the basis for economic and social development, as well as social stability. Three key components of UHC, namely population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection, are inextricably associated with health financing. In the SDGs, one of two indicators for monitoring UHC progress is financial protection, which helps individuals decrease the risk of catastrophic expenditure in health. Although further discussion is possible on the threshold of catastrophic payment, this is an important, imperative step towards UHC achievement. This paper presents an overview of trends in strengthening health financing and monitors its progress in the context of UHC. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a key target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. UHC is a comprehensive approach to improving access to health without financial burden, which is a fundamental human right and provides the basis for economic and social development, as well as social stability. Three key components of UHC, namely population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection, are inextricably associated with health financing. In the SDGs, one of two indicators for monitoring UHC progress is financial protection, which helps individuals decrease the risk of catastrophic expenditure in health. Although further discussion is possible on the threshold of catastrophic payment, this is an important, imperative step towards UHC achievement. This paper presents an overview of trends in strengthening health financing and monitors its progress in the context of UHC.