Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a hot topic and a key mechanism for delivering on SDG3 which stipulates about health and wellbeing for all.
The principle of UHC states that, everyone should have access to quality health services and care without facing economic hardship or prejudice.
It is very important for us as young people in our diversity to be at the centre of UHC discussions at country, regional and global levels.
Where are we on UHC?
The first African regional discussion on UHC which took place in March 2019 was silent on the unique needs of the most marginalized populations including young people living with HIV, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, sex workers, people who use drugs, those with disabilities among others. In September 2019, countries gathered for the High-Level Meeting in New York to adopt the Political Declaration on UHC. As countries develop their UHC implementation plans, we must ensure that our voices are heard, and our needs are met.
Why we need to be READY4UHC?
The implementation of UHC is moving very fast even though UHC is still unclear to many young people. We need strong, informed and organized voices which truly represent young people. As the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) we are committed to promoting the health and sexual rights of adolescents and young people living with and affected by HIV in all their diversity. We are supported by Aidsfonds, Frontline AIDS and PATA, and through the Partnership to Inspire and Connect the HIV response (PITCH), Resilient and Empowered Adolescents and Young people (READY) programmes to support strong youth leadership.
Our UHC goal:
To ensure that young people are MEANINGFULLY involved in the design and implementation of country UHC plans at EVERY level.
With your support we will:
- Ensure young people’s voices are heard in key global spaces on UHC
- Raise youth-driven solutions on UHC
- Train young people on UHC to strengthen their knowledge
- Promote the critical role of peer supporters in delivering health to young people at national level