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