DUBAI – The world is running out of time to implement universal health coverage, particularly if faced with another pandemic, and knowledge-sharing and collaboration are critical to advancement, said leaders convening at Expo 2020 Dubai as it marked International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In addition to a series of discussions with global health leaders and UHC advocates, the WHO and the World Bank announced the findings of two complementary reports at Expo 2020 that show that the pandemic is likely to halt two decades of global progress towards UHC, and that more than half a billion people are being pushed into extreme poverty because they have to pay for health services out of their own pockets.
His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health and Prevention, said that the UAE is keen to intensify efforts and achieve the optimal implementation of the recommendations of the WHO, and to work with Member States by uniting efforts and harnessing knowledge and technology to raise the standards of healthcare. His Excellency delivered the opening remarks for the day’s flagship event, which was attended by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid Al Saidi, Oman Minister of Health, who shared Oman’s efforts to ensure accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare, said: “Transparency and communication with the community will provide a clear vehicle for improving quality… people today have a clear idea about their health priorities, and engaging with them effectively will enhance appropriate utilisation of services and contribute toward better service planning and implementation. Presenting our experiences, challenges and solutions in such a forum [the UHC panel at Expo 2020], allows each of us to learn from each other, and should encourage us to support each other toward achieving universal health coverage.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO, said: “No one should be faced with a choice that is, in effect: your money, or your life. Our analysis shows that far too many families and people are still making that choice every day… and the pandemic highlighted that health is not a product of strong and prosperous nations, because a healthy population is a secure, resilient and prosperous population… The world was not prepared [for COVID-19], and we’re paying for it. That’s why the pandemic treaty is important – because it means we have a rule, law, and countries with obligations.”
Having just come from International Humanitarian City (IHC), Dr Tedros added: “We’re reaching out from the IHC to more than 120 countries, and I want to thank the UAE, without whom we would not have approached such a number.”
Dr Awad Mataria, Director, Universal Health Coverage/Health Systems, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, said: “We are very privileged and honoured to be partnering with Expo 2020 to announce the reports and in celebrating Universal Health Coverage Day in our region – the biggest celebration globally in 2021. The agenda of Universal Health Coverage is something both old and new… its implementation has been atrophied and we’re still learning what works and what doesn’t. Through the vast opportunities to interact with countries at Expo, we will be able to distill lessons that we can convey to our policymakers, helping them expedite progress towards Universal Health Coverage. We are very thankful for this opportunity, and look forward to our continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention.”