Universal Health Coverage

Access to safe and affordable surgery is part of universal health coverage. Universal health coverage is a central global health policy goal included in SDG target 3.8. The article frames UHC around equitable access, quality of care, and financial accessibility. Stronger sustainable financing systems are presented as necessary for UHC progress. Service coverage is constrained by workforce, instrument, medicine and infrastructure shortages. Financial hardship from out-of-pocket payments has continued to worsen in many countries. Global progress toward UHC has slowed, partly because COVID-19 disrupted health systems and economies. Population coverage is incomplete because children older than five often lack financial protection.