Basic Information
International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) is an annual event observed on 12 December to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage.
Observed on: December 12
Organized by: UN, WHO, UNICEF
Introduced in: 2017 (UN Proclamation), 2018 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Universal Health Coverage Day
On 12 December 2017, UN General Assembly decided to observe 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage day (UHC Day). This day is observed to promote the idea of the need for a strong universal health coverage (UHC) so that everyone will have an access to quality, affordable health care. With this regard earlier on 12 December 2012, UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution to encourage countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. Universal Health Coverage Coalition started to celebrate 12 December as UHC Day from 2014 onwards.
This day is observed in accordance with the aim to attain 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The universal health coverage aims to provide access to health service for all, in particular for the poorest segments of the society. Access to quality health services without suffering financial hardships is well rooted in the human right to health. This is considered as the duty of the state so no one should leave behind.
Activities and Programs on UHC Day
On this day stories of millions of people who doesn’t have approach to quality health care are voiced out. Leaders are encouraged to make bigger and better decisions with regards to UHC. Programs on this day are also aimed to encourage to different people to move the world closer to UHC by 2030.
Campaigns are done in different medias including social medias with a hashtag #HealthForAll. Campaigns are based on a theme selected for particular year. Panel discussions, round table discussions, health camps, rally, awareness programs, health education classes,
Theme for International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day)
International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) 2020 Theme is “Health for all—Protect everyone“
International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) 2019 Theme was “Keep the Promise“
UHC Day 2018 Theme was “Unite for Universal Health Coverage: Now is the Time for Collective Action”