Summary report of the Regional Consultation - Strengthening frontline services for universal health coverage by 2030:

Overview

Despite unparalleled international commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) and encouraging recent progress, projections suggest that, at the current rate, few countries in the Southeast Asia Region will achieve the 80% essential service coverage UHC target by 2030. Renewed attention to primary health care (PHC) and improved frontline health services are a key part of the solution to accelerate progress towards UHC. Many SEAR countries recognize the need to strengthen frontline services and much is happening. However, there is no blueprint on what to do. Common questions are: How can we introduce the new services needed for changing health problems into existing primary care? How can we increase the use of frontline services? How can we best manage the required changes? How can new technologies help accelerate progress? Can we afford these changes? Can we afford to not make them? How will we know if they are working? 89 participants from governments, nongovernmental organizations, academia, WHO and other international development partners gathered to discuss practical solutions to these questions.