By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The World Health
Organization (WHO) African Region has convened a Regional Technical Meeting on
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lomé, Togo, bringing together Directors of
Planning and senior health officials from across the region to examine ways of
accelerating progress towards universal access to quality healthcare.
With only four years
remaining to the 2030 global target, the three-day meeting is focused on
identifying what needs to change to speed up progress towards Universal Health
Coverage across African countries.
Participants are examining
available evidence, sharing country experiences and identifying practical
pathways that can help countries strengthen their health systems and improve
access to essential health services.
Stronger Primary Health Care
is at the centre of the discussions, alongside greater financial protection for
populations and approaches that take into account the different realities and
health system needs of individual countries.
The meeting provides a
platform for health officials to assess progress, exchange experiences and
consider practical measures that can help address barriers to achieving
Universal Health Coverage.
The WHO African Region has
emphasised the shared ambition of ensuring that people have access to quality
health services wherever they live, without being pushed into financial
hardship as a result of seeking care.
The discussions in Lomé are
expected to contribute to efforts by countries across the region to strengthen
health systems and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Universal Health
Coverage goal.
