Universal Health Coverage Archives

Building on the strengths of local, government health workers

For 38-year-old Shakuntala, healthy eyes are just one piece of a much larger puzzle when it comes to a person’s health and wellness. In addition to being a full-time mom, Shakuntala also works as an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) with the Government of India, providing healthcare and referrals for others in her community of… Continue reading Building on the strengths of local, government health workers

Eye Health is a Critical Component of Universal Health Coverage

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is about ensuring people have access to the health care services they need, when they need them, without suffering financial hardship. UHC includes the full spectrum of health services from health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. This also means having a qualified workforce of trained and motivated health workers. When countries… Continue reading Eye Health is a Critical Component of Universal Health Coverage

Universal Health Coverage: A radical idea and a basic human right

Uncorrected poor vision is the world’s largest unaddressed disability, yet a simple pair of prescription eyeglasses can transform a life. Photo by Dr. Shivam Maini.

What is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and why is it important? Last month at the United Nations General Assembly, world leaders adopted the goal of working together to achieve UHC by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, more than half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services. Those… Continue reading Universal Health Coverage: A radical idea and a basic human right