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Health for All. Everywhere. Now!

Dec 12, 2014

Blog post by Julia Robinson, Senior Program Manager and Advocacy Team Lead

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Today, December 12, 2014, is first ever Universal Health Coverage Day, and HAI stands in solidarity with over 500 global partners and academic institutions (including the University of Washington’s School of Public Health) to support the notion that health is a human right.

For every person, in every country.

No one should fall into poverty because they get sick and need health care.  No one should live in an area where health care is inaccessible or unaffordable.

HAI works in solidarity with ministries of health around the world because we feel that governments have a responsibility to ensure health services to communities and that governments should be held accountable for ensuring universal health coverage to its citizens.

On December 12, 2012, the United Nations unanimously endorsed Universal Health Coverage, or UHC.

They did so for five fundamental reasons:

1. Because no one should go bankrupt when they get sick

Sickness and disease can send families – even generations – into poverty.  This is unacceptable, and we as allies have a responsibility to help stop this vicious cycle.

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2. Because universal health coverage is attainable.

More than 80 countries have taken steps towards UHC, and this investment in future generations is already paying off.

3. Because universal health coverage can help stop the world’s biggest killers

The current Ebola crisis underlines the critical importance of affordable, accessible, high quality health services, even in the most remote areas of the world.  We all have the responsibility to ensure that strong health systems are in place for everyone.

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4. Because health transforms communities, economies, and nations

and provides the opportunity for people to grow and thrive.

5. Because health care is a right, not a privilege

And here is where HAI’s work comes into play.  Our programs in Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Timor-Leste are built upon the notion of health as a human right.

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So stand with us!  Educate yourself, spread the word, support HAI’s programs, and above all, lend your voice to the global chorus calling for accessible health care for all, everywhere.

 

Stand with HAI

Stand with HAI

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote policies and support programs that strengthen government primary health care and foster social, economic, and health equity for all. Our vision is a just world that promotes health and well-being, including universal access to quality health care.

Our History

Health Alliance International began in 1987 as a US-based international solidarity organization committed to supporting the public sector provision of health care for all.  Over 35 years, HAI conducted programs in 17 countries, with flagship programs in Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire, and Timor-Leste.

Our Evolution

In line with HAI’s commitment to support and strengthen local public health leadership, as of October 2021, HAI fully transitioned global operations and active programs to locally-based, locally-led NGOs. Learn more about this shift toward local autonomy and equity in global health.

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