A decade-long collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission will be strengthened to accelerate universal health coverage. As part of the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC Partnership), the European Union (EU) plans to contribute €125 million for the continuation of WHO’s assistance to its Member States over the next five years. Health systems will be strengthened to become more resilient and responsive to natural, climate, or human-made disasters.

For the realization of the right to health, universal health coverage is a critical component. As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, universal health coverage is the cornerstone of resilience and sustainable development for all. In the face of epidemics and pandemics, it’s true for individuals and families facing life-threatening illnesses, as well as for countries and the entire world. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked the European Union for its strong leadership and commitment to Universal Health Coverage.

As part of the EU Global Health Strategy adopted yesterday by the European Commission, partnership with WHO is a key deliverable. One of the three key priorities of the Strategy is strengthening health systems and advancing universal health coverage. I am delighted to sign today with Dr Tedros a substantial EU contribution of €125 million for our Universal Health Coverage Partnership with WHO. “COVID-19 emphasized the importance of resilient health systems and equitable access to health care to ensure individual well-being and to identify and handle public health threats efficiently,” said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.