Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is celebrated annually on 12 December. This year’s theme, “Health: It’s on the government”, underscores the role governments play in ensuring that no one is forced to choose between health care and necessities such as food.

To mark UHC Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments worldwide to address the urgent need for financial protection to be put in place.

UHC aims to provide everyone, everywhere with access to quality health services without facing financial hardship. Over the last 2 decades, financial protection has eroded: 2 billion people around the world are struggling with financial hardship and 1.3 billion people have been pushed into poverty because of out-of-pocket health expenses. Individuals are often forced to delay or forgo lifesaving treatments, resulting in worsening health outcomes and perpetuating the cycle of disease and poverty.