The world health report

Next report: Research for Universal Health Coverage

Everyone should have access to the health services they need without being forced into poverty when paying for them. This report argues that universal health coverage – with full access to high-quality services for prevention, treatment and financial risk protection – cannot be achieved without the evidence provided by scientific research. It maintains that all nations should be producers of research as well as consumers. The process of discovery should take place not only in academic centres but also in public health programmes where people seek health care and use the services provided. Investigations ranging from clinical trials to health policy studies can help chart the course to improved health outcomes and reduced poverty, but research needs national and international backing to succeed. TO BE PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2013

Current report

Health systems financing: the path to universal coverage
Good health is essential to human welfare and to sustained economic and social development. WHO's Member States have set themselves the target of developing their health financing systems to ensure that all people can use health services, while being protected against financial hardship associated with paying for them.

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Introduction

The world health report, first published in 1995, is WHO's leading publication. The report combines an expert assessment of global health, including statistics relating to all countries, with a focus on a specific subject. The main purpose of the report is to provide countries, donor agencies, international organizations and others with the information they need to help them make policy and funding decisions. The report is also offered to a wider audience, from universities, teaching hospitals and schools, to journalists and the public at large - anyone, in fact, with a professional or personal interest in international health issues.