World health report 2013: research for universal health coverage

Overview

In 2005, all WHO Member States made the commitment to achieve universal health coverage. The commitment was a collective expression of the belief that all people should have access to the health services they need without risk of financial ruin or impoverishment. Working towards universal health coverage is a powerful mechanism for achieving better health and well-being, and for promoting human development. Chapter 1 explains how the resolution adopted by all WHO Member States embraces the two facets of universal health coverage: the provision of, and access to, high-quality health services; and financial risk protection for people who need to use these services. “Health services” in this report mean methods for promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation, encompassing health care in communities, health centres and hospitals. The term includes ways of taking action on social and environmental determinants both within and beyond the health sector. Financial risk protection is part of the package of measures that provides overall social protection.