WHO Regionals Watch [to 19 July 2014]
:: Countries of the Americas hold national consultations to make universal health coverage a regional priority
With PAHO support, health authorities are engaging other sectors in dialogues on the best way forward to ensure equitable access to quality care for everyone
Washington, D.C., 16 July 2014 (PAHO/WHO) – The countries of the Americas are holding national consultations to discuss the way forward to reach universal health coverage, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
National health authorities and other health sector actors are participating in the dialogues, which will help shape a regional roadmap for achieving universal health coverage that will be submitted for the approval of the 53rd PAHO Directing Council in September. Consultations have already been held in 27 countries and are scheduled to be held in four others in the coming weeks.
“Universal health coverage is a means to attain health and well-being for all people. It is based on the right of every person to enjoy optimal health, with equity and solidarity, and it is responsibility of all governments,” said PAHO/WHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “PAHO is supporting national, subregional, and regional consultations that facilitate a broad dialogue so that all the voices of the Americas, including those of the most vulnerable groups, can be heard during this process.”
Universal health coverage means that all people and communities have equitable access to the comprehensive and guaranteed quality services that they need, throughout the course of their lives, without financial hardship…

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