Pronunciation: [ˈuːk] (IPA) 
UHC is an abbreviation that stands for "Universal Health Coverage". To spell UHC, we need to know how to say these three sounds: /ju:/ for "U", /eɪtʃ/ for "H", and /si:/ for "C". Therefore, we pronounce UHC as "you-aitch-see" in IPA phonetic transcription. Universal Health Coverage is a major goal of the World Health Organization, aiming to provide everyone with access to quality health services regardless of their financial background.
UHC, an acronym for Universal Health Coverage, refers to a fundamental principle and goal of health systems designed to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to essential health services without suffering financial hardship. It embodies the belief that health is a human right and that everyone should be able to receive the healthcare services they need, when they need them, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.
UHC encompasses three key components. Firstly, it emphasizes access to a wide range of necessary and quality health services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. Secondly, it focuses on ensuring financial protection so that individuals and households are not forced into poverty or faced with catastrophic health expenses due to healthcare costs. Lastly, UHC promotes equity by bringing healthcare services to marginalized and vulnerable populations who may face barriers to accessing care.
Achieving UHC requires strong health systems that are responsive, efficient, and equitable, with an emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare services as the foundation of healthcare delivery. This may involve implementing measures such as expanding health insurance coverage, increasing public spending on health, improving health infrastructure, enhancing the healthcare workforce, and engaging communities in decision-making processes.
UHC is a prominent goal within the global health agenda, underscored by its inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. It recognizes the importance of health as a driver of socio-economic development and the significance of ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of good health and well-being.
