Universal Coverage Provides Foundation to Help Overcome Inequities that Continue to Leave Many Behind, Secretary-General Tells World Health Organization Assembly

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from 21 to 26 May:

I am pleased to address this seventy-first session of the World Health Assembly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded 70 years ago on the principle that “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being”.

This is as true today as it was in 1948.  Indeed, we will only achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if people have equitable access to quality health care and services.  This means everyone, everywhere.  Our efforts must be focused on promoting and investing in health and well-being more comprehensively.

I am encouraged to see your focus on universal health coverage.  We need strong resilient systems that place people at the centre.  Universal health coverage provides the foundation to help us overcome the inequities that continue to leave so many behind.

I look forward to working with you to ensure a healthy sustainable future for all.