Universal Health Day (also known as Universal Health Coverage Day – UHC Day) is celebrated on December 12th every year, and is the annual rallying point for the growing movement for Universal Health to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to quality health services, when and where they need them, without exposing them to financial hardship.
The Region of the Americas has joined the global campaign every year, highlighting specific areas of interest for the Region. This year, the central theme of ‘Health for All: Protect Everyone” will be recognized through a webinar that will convene PAHO Member States, Academic Institutions, Civil Society and other relevant stakeholders around the critical importance of the Essential Public Health Functions.
Considering regional mandates to advance towards universal health within the context of evolving health emergencies, PAHO/WHO has led the renewal of the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) in the Americas. The ongoing COVID-10 pandemic and previous public health emergencies in the Americas have demonstrated that inequitable and fragmented health systems that do not meet the needs of the population in normal times, cannot effectively address health needs during epidemics and other health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed both strengths and weaknesses in health systems and, overall, the centrality of public health to advancing towards the achievement of universal health, to better respond to health emergencies and to safeguard equity in health.
During the celebration of Universal Health Day 2020, PAHO will launch a publication, “The Essential Public Health Functions in the Americas: A Renewal for the 21st Century”, that will integrate the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) across health system strengthening policy initiatives, promoting health for all, and protecting everyone.