Universal health coverage is about equity, quality, as well as efficiency, accountability, resilience and sustainability. And universal health coverage (UHC) depends on strong and well-managed health systems.

An effective health system improves people’s lives tangibly every day – whether it is a school providing immunizations, a regulation encouraging cessation of tobacco use, or a person with HIV receiving reasonably-priced antiretroviral medicines.

In the Division of Health Systems and Services, we are working with countries to provide affordable health care for all. This also means ensuring that the care provided is people-centred, of high-quality and efficient.

We work closely with countries to develop national health laws and plans. As plans are implemented, we work with countries to evaluate and refine programmes. We look at the capacity and number of health workers and engage local communities, so that tangible improvements to health services can be made. We also support countries in analysing and using health data and research evidence to inform policy decisions; and we help ensure medicines are rationally prescribed and safe to use.

Strong health systems are the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities.