10 facts on universal health coverage
May 2012
In many countries, millions of people suffer because they cannot access the health care they need, or because paying for health services pushes them into poverty.
In countries where health services have traditionally been accessible and affordable, governments are finding it increasingly difficult to respond to the ever-growing health needs of the populations and the increasing costs of health services.
All countries can do more to improve health outcomes and tackle poverty, by increasing coverage of health services, and by reducing the suffering associated with payment for health services.
WHO is providing support to countries to develop their health financing systems to move towards, and to sustain, universal health coverage.
Read the fact file on universal health coverage
Related links
Corporate resources
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The world health report
Report on global public health and key statistics -
World health statistics report
WHO's annual compilation of data from its Member States -
International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements -
International Health Regulations (IHR)
Global rules to enhance national, regional and global public health security