What is Universal Health Coverage?
Before understanding the significance of this day, it’s important to know what universal health coverage is.
Universal health coverage (UHC) means:
Everyone is entitled to access health services.
Health services include high-quality services.
Not everyone will suffer financial hardship from illness.
In other words, UHC ensures that people are not denied access to health because they can’t afford it.
This includes:
• Preventive care
• Treatment for disease
• Care in a hospital emergency department
• Rehabilitation services
• Prescriptions
• Health education and promotion
This idea is also the foundation of universal healthcare, which is key to reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Why 12 December Is Celebrated as Universal Health Coverage Day
The reason goes back to 2012, when the United Nations endorsed UHC as an essential global development priority.
Since then, several countries have observed International Universal Health Coverage Day every year to emphasize the importance of equal healthcare access.
This makes UHC Day one of the most impactful global health observances.
The theme for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025 (December 12) is
“Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!,” a powerful call to action highlighting the devastating financial impact of healthcare expenses, with over half the world lacking essential services and a quarter facing hardship, urging governments to ensure accessible, affordable care to meet Sustainable Development Goals.
Aims of Universal Health Coverage Day
UHC Day 2025 has multiple aims that have direct implications for daily life.
1. Access for All
Healthcare should be possible for the entire population, such as infants, adults, the elderly, people living in rural communities, and marginalized people.
2. Financial Protection
Accessing healthcare shouldn’t result in borrowing money, debt, or poverty.
3. Quality Care
Healthcare should be safe, timely, and effective.
4. Health Systems Strengthening
Countries must invest in infrastructure, trained personnel, technology, and emergency systems.
5. Preventive Care Awareness
Encouraging check-ups, vaccinations, healthy lifestyle practices, and early diagnosis.
6. Equity & Inclusion
Healthcare must be accessible to all genders, income groups, and social backgrounds.
These aims support the global objective of UHC, healthcare for all people, everywhere.
MBH/PS
