Will Quince – 2023 Statement at the UN Universal Health Coverage High-level Meeting

The statement made by Will Quince, the Foreign Office Minister, on 25 September 2023.

No matter where in the world they’re born, everyone has a right to affordable, quality health care.

But every year, seeking health care pushes hundreds of millions of people into poverty. And millions more can’t get the care they deserve.

We cannot let this continue. We can do better.

That’s why today, we must reinvigorate our mission to achieve universal health coverage.

The UK proposes three key priorities.

First, we must focus our efforts on a primary health care approach.

The UK is committed to doing this by building global partnerships.

This includes working with like minded nations to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of universal health coverage. And rolling out life-changing vaccines, medicines, and technology in communities.

This week, we pledged up to £295 million for global research partnerships.

These partnerships will help forge the tools and evidence we need to make universal health coverage a reality. As well as addressing other key priorities like ending the preventable deaths of mothers, babies and children, strengthening global health security, and tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Second, we must combat financial hardship.

This means Governments protecting the poorest in our societies from devastating health care fees.

We recognise many countries face serious financial challenges, limiting their ability to do this.

That’s why the UK is championing reforms to the international financial system to help developing countries access more finance to address their priorities. And achieving universal coverage must be at the heart of this work.

Third, we must strengthen the global workforce, the lifeblood of our health systems.

By 2030, there could be a global shortfall of ten million health workers. So, we must join forces to train, recruit, and retain more of these vital public servants.

That’s why this year, we launched the first-ever long-term workforce plan for the NHS. And announced a £15 million international investment package, working with our partners Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya to bolster their health workforces.

But this is just the beginning.

All our nations need to work together in a truly global partnership. We are stronger together than alone.

Only then can we deliver universal health coverage, and build a fairer, brighter, and healthier world.

So today, let’s roll up our sleeves and get on with the job.

Thank you.