Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights to advance universal health coverage: 2023 joint statement by HRP, WHO, UNDP, UNFPA and the World Bank

Overview

According to the latest available data, over half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services, and health worker shortages are estimated to reach 10 million by 2030. These contextual factors point to an urgent need to explore innovative strategies – that go beyond a conventional health-sector response – for reaching people with the health services they need.

Self-care interventions offer huge potential to enhance individual agency and reduce health inequities by increasing the availability of accessible, acceptable and affordable health-care options that are in addition to and can complement services and care received at a healthcare facility. As we reach the half-way mark towards the end of the 15-year Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) period, and we look at the challenges facing the world, we need to embrace potentially transformative solutions. WHO recommends self-care interventions for every country and economic setting, as critical tools on a path to improve primary health care, reach universal health coverage (UHC), promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.