On the 12th of December, coinciding with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Angola’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, reaffirmed their commitment to hasten efforts ensuring universal access to vital health services. This initiative seeks to promote health and well-being for all, whilst striving to eliminate financial barriers in healthcare access.
Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, Angola’s Health Minister, emphasised the government’s focus on the health sector, underscoring substantial investments in human resources, induction of new healthcare professionals, and expansion of healthcare facilities across multiple levels. These measures are part of the strategy to enhance access to health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services, thereby expediting the realisation of Universal Health Coverage in Angola.
Dr. Lutucuta highlighted the significant progress made in providing quality healthcare to the population in recent years. She stressed that while these achievements are laudable, they should not lead to complacency. The path to UHC, particularly in Angola, is still extensive, necessitating ongoing collaborative efforts and investment in the resilience of the health system.
World Health Organization (WHO) research suggests that universal health access can drive economic growth and job creation, particularly benefiting women. It’s projected that such initiatives could increase economic growth in low- and middle-income countries by up to 2%.
Despite considerable advances in improving citizens’ health, particularly in combating infectious diseases and maternal and child health, the African region is far from achieving Universal Health Coverage. WHO’s 2022 data revealed that only a handful of African countries have adequate coverage of essential health services with significant government financing. The report also showed limited progress in addressing non-communicable diseases and strengthening health system capacities, with no marked reduction in the financial burden of accessing healthcare services.
Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in Angola, emphasised the urgent necessity to convert political commitments into tangible actions that positively impact health and well-being, ensuring no one is left behind. He expressed confidence in Angola’s advancement towards UHC, a key component in achieving the desired health and well-being for the population.
Dr. Karamagi underscored the importance of prompt action to protect public health and well-being, advocating for increased investment in universal health, strengthening health systems with skilled professionals and infrastructure, expanding primary healthcare, and encouraging innovation to reach all individuals. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors, including education, water, administration, security, gender, investment, and employment, to achieve universal health coverage.
This year’s UHC Day celebrations highlighted five key priorities to guide countries in the forthcoming year towards health for all. These include addressing financial risk protection, tackling inequalities, reorienting service delivery to primary health care, planning and monitoring sub-national health systems, and investing in system resilience.
UNICEF Representative in Angola, Antero de Pina, remarked that the UHC Day celebration is an opportune moment to acknowledge Angola’s commitment to bolstering primary healthcare, as stated in the Luanda Declaration commitments. UNICEF pledges to continue supporting the government’s efforts, recognising that a robust primary healthcare system is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Angola and enhancing child survival. The Representative called for a joint effort to provide equitable, quality healthcare accessible to everyone throughout their lifespan.
The UHC Day serves as an annual convergence point for the expanding Health For All movement, commemorating the United Nations Member States’ unanimous endorsement of UHC in 2012 as a pivotal international development objective.
During the UHC Day celebration, Angola reaffirmed its pledge to enhance population health in a comprehensive session with representatives from all 18 provinces and various social partners. The session reviewed commitments from the Declaration on Primary Health Care in Angola, adopted on 16 June 2022. This declaration is vital in mobilising government and health partners to fortify the Primary Health Care approach and ensure the delivery of quality health services across the country.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
