According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, about 4.5 billion people, roughly half of the world's population, are not fully covered by essential health services. As a candidate for UN Secretary-General, President Macky Sall places universal health coverage among his priorities.
The weakest health systems. The gaps concentrate where health systems are weakest. There, 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, and a single hospital bill is still enough to tip a family into poverty. Each year, unexpected health costs push tens of millions of people below the poverty line.
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.
A priority of development. For President Macky Sall, a population in good health is the first condition of all progress. The Secretary-General can act on it by placing universal health coverage on the agenda of development and by supporting the World Health Organization.
The experience of a head of state. Twelve years as head of state and the chairmanship of the African Union in 2022 ground these commitments on health. That experience explains why the vision statement filed with the United Nations frames its proposals as obligations and links development to peace and security.
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