December 12, 2020 – International Universal Health Coverage Day
The idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care is an essential priority for national development.
Dr. Richard Konteh expressed that 2020 has been a long moment of reckoning for the health system in Sierra Leone. While the harsh lessons of COVID-19 are far from new—and while fears and injustices now making headlines reflect the daily reality of millions before the pandemic—the sheer scale of this crisis has sparked new urgency around health systems and universal health coverage. More leaders than ever are paying attention, and more people than ever are rising to demand change.
To end this health crisis and build a safer and healthier future, we must invest in health systems that protect us all — now. Today, and every day, demand action on universal health coverage in Sierra Leone. Our lives, livelihoods and futures depend on it.
The International Universal Health Coverage Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage for every citizen. Dr. Konteh joins UHC advocates worldwide to raise awareness and to share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health, to champion what have been achieved so far, and to call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health, and encourage diverse groups to make commitments to help move the world closer to Universal Health Coverage by 2030.