Anti-corruption, Transparency and Accountability (ACTA) measures are central components of health systems strengthening for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). They are also essential for upholding the right to health and other indivisible rights. Without ACTA measures, resources meant to deliver on health goals can be wasted, trust in the health system can be weakened and, most importantly, human lives can be lost. Evidence suggests that corruption in the health sector has a disproportionate effect on disadvantaged populations, and hence is driver of health inequities and an obstacle that must be contended with if truly “no one is to be left behind” on the path towards UHC.
In light of the above, WHO, Global Fund and UNDP have joined forces in convening the “Consultation for a proposed Global Network on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Accountability in Health Systems”, which will be held 26-28 February 2019 in Geneva. This is one of multiple activities supported by the WHO Anti-corruption, Transparency and Accountability workstream, which is co-led by the Gender, Equity, and Human Rights Team and the Department of Health Governance and Financing in 2018-2019.