Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is an ambitious goal that the world can’t afford to miss. The lessons that countries are currently learning from the COVID-19 pandemic all underscore that investing in health for all is not optional. Stable, equitable, prosperous and peaceful societies and economies are only possible when no one is left behind. This crisis is an opportunity to seize the moment to make changes that benefit both UHC and health security.

The UHC Partnership, one of WHO’s largest initiatives for international cooperation for UHC, supports countries to strengthen the foundations of their health systems to boost their COVID-19 response, enhance preparedness for impending health emergencies, and ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, can access the essential health services they need without experiencing financial hardship. 

Countries are demonstrating that effective primary health care and a strong health workforce are among the most powerful ways to bring health services closer to communities, protect everyone from all health threats and inch closer to UHC. Some of these country examples are documented in the UHC Partnership’s special series of stories from the field on the COVID-19 response.

Colombia responds to COVID-19 with an intercultural health model

COVID-19 has spread across Colombia but there is still an opportunity to prevent widespread transmission in areas like the Alta Guajira desert, a remote region inhabited by the some of the most vulnerable communities in the country. Determined to protect them from the pandemic, the Government is enhancing access to primary health care that respects indigenous culture and traditions.

^{A nurse attends to a young patient at the ESE Hospital de Nazareth in Alta Guajira, Colombia. ©PAHO/WHO/Karen González Abril} 

Community health workers in Dominica lead the fight against COVID-19

Community health workers are at the heart of the COVID-19 response in Dominica’s Roseau Health District. Bringing health care closer to the community through primary health care and training the health workforce in people-centred care has so far proven to be the best protection against the pandemic. 

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