Championing the private sector in achieving universal health coverage

The UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency, which is hosted by the Forum, has released a statement on private sector contributions towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

UHC2030 is a partnership which brings together all stakeholders – governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector – to make a difference on universal health coverage worldwide.

The launch of the Private Sector Constituency Statement is an exciting moment on the road to universal health coverage. It is the first time that the private sector has collectively recognized the significant role it can play in achieving UHC, and provides a basis for building collaborations with all stakeholders.

Half the world’s population lacks access to basic health services, and each year almost 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty by health expenses.

Universal health coverage is based on the principle that all individuals and communities should have equitable access to quality essential health services without suffering financial hardship.

The private sector offers a diverse range of health products and services and provides more than 60% of health services in some countries. It acknowledges that it can and should help ensure that everyone, no matter where they are, can access essential services, enjoy quality health care and be protected from financial risks.

The new UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency statement highlights the positive role the private sector can play in achieving universal health coverage, and specific steps that companies can take to ensure impact.

The Constituency’s existing private sector members have collectively agreed to the statement, which acts as a framework for each member to make specific contributions to UHC and principles and actions to promote across the private sector.

The statement outlines seven ways the private sector can contribute to UHC. These are:

1. Offer quality products and services that consider the needs of all people including poor and marginalised populations, and make these affordable, accessible and sustainable
2. Incorporate UHC principles, including to leave no one behind, in core business models and objectives
3. Develop, test and scale up innovative business models that align with UHC goals
4. Create, adapt, apply and scale up innovations
5. Help strengthen the health workforce, responding to local context, priorities and needs
6. Contribute to efforts to raise the finance available for UHC
7. Engage in, champion, and build capacities for relevant policy dialogue and partnerships with government and other stakeholders

UHC2030 is a multi-stakeholder platform and its secretariat is co-hosted by the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization.

In addition to the Forum, the 30 members of the UHC2030 Private-Sector Constituency are: Accessible Quality Health Services (U-CARE); Allied World Healthcare; Amref Enterprises Limited; Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; Becton; Dickinson and Company; DITTA; Fullerton Healthcare Corporation Limited; GE Healthcare; German Health Alliance; GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) ; Global Self-Care Federation; Henry Schein; International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) ; Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) ; Johnson & Johnson; Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI) ; MEDx eHealthcenter; Mission & Co. ; MSD; Novartis; Novo Nordisk; Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI); Ottobock; Pfizer; Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) ; Royal Philips; Sanofi; Sumitomo Chemical Company; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

Read the UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency statement to learn more about how private sector can contribute. Find out more about the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Companies can apply to join the UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency. Applicants for membership must be for-profit private entities that directly provide services and goods within the health value chain. Submit your application here.

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