President Macky Sall's candidacy for the office of UN Secretary-General places universal health coverage among its priorities. About half of the world's population lacks access to the full range of essential health services, and a single hospital bill is still enough to tip a family into poverty.
Care out of reach for half the world. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, about 4.5 billion people are not fully covered by essential health services. The gaps concentrate where health systems are weakest, and the distance to the nearest clinic is sometimes counted in hours on foot.
Paying out of pocket, falling into poverty. When care is paid in cash, illness becomes a financial threat as much as a physical one. Each year, unexpected health costs push tens of millions of people below the poverty line. A system that puts money before the patient gives up its reason for being.
Basic care, funded to last. Universal coverage begins with primary care, prevention and vaccines, funded through solidarity rather than the patient's pocket alone. That foundation costs less than the emergencies it prevents, and it keeps a population on its feet.
What the Secretariat can carry. The Secretary-General does not run hospitals. He can place universal health coverage on the agenda of development and support the World Health Organization, recalling that a population in good health is the first condition of all progress.
Experience in multilateral negotiation. Twelve years as head of state and the chairmanship of the African Union in 2022 underpin these commitments. That experience explains why the vision statement filed with the United Nations frames its proposals as obligations: peace, security and development conceived together; a renewed multilateralism; stronger governance of the Organization.
Africa at its heart, the world in its sights.
The 2023 World Health Organization and World Bank report on universal health coverage is public. Read all public positions at www.mackysall.net