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This paper reviews contemporary policy debates regarding priority setting for universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of instabilities in the global economy and the neoliberal program for managing those instabilities.

PHM recognises the importance of universal health coverage (UHC) although our endorsement is qualified because of the diversity of interpretations of UHC circulating, some of which, such as the World Bank’s multi-payer, stratified access, mixed delivery model, PHM does not support.

PHM endorses the need for equity and efficiency in the allocation of resources for health care and population health programmes including in the implementation of UHC. Health system design (funding and delivery configuration) is the major determinant of equity and efficiency in resource allocation and health care delivery. More specific approaches, discussed below, include: first, the use of ‘defined benefit packages’ in insurance dominated systems; and second, the methods and mechanisms through which equitable and efficient resource allocation can be promoted in tax-funded, public delivery systems.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fight against mpox – previously known as monkeypox – is entering a new phase.

While many are anxious to contain the outbreak – the largest mpox outbreak ever recorded in the DRC with more than 4,500 cases so far this year – experts say that's not yet possible: There are no vaccines or treatments in the country right now, and even the testing capacity is severely limited. Instead, this new phase of the mpox fight involves simply getting a better understanding of what exactly is going on.

"We've been doing a lot of groundwork and building support and trying to strengthen things. And now, I hope, we're at a pivot point," says Dr. Jennifer McQuiston of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Over the next three weeks, we expect to learn a lot about what's happening on the ground."

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This note reviews decision making in and around the WHO with a focus on the debates around ‘counterfeit’ medicines and the relationships between IP and affordability, quality, safety and efficacy.  It covers the period 2003 - 2013.

Official page of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response

Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.

Every country has a different path to achieving UHC and deciding what to cover based on the needs of their people and the resources at hand. However, the importance of access to health services and information as a basic human right is universal.

To make health for all a reality, all people must have access to high quality services for their health and the health of their families and communities. To do so, skilled health workers providing quality, people-centred care; and policy-makers committed to investing in universal health coverage are essential.

Universal health coverage requires strong, people-centred primary health care. Good health systems are rooted in the communities they serve. They focus not only on preventing and treating disease and illness, but also on helping to improve well-being and quality of life.

A G20 High Level Independent Panel (HLIP) on Financing the Global Commons for Pandemic Preparedness and Response was established on 26 January 2021.

The HLIP is tasked with:

• Identifying the gaps in the financing system for the global commons for pandemic prevention, surveillance, preparedness and response.

• Proposing actionable solutions to meet these gaps on a systematic and sustainable basis, and optimally leverage resources from the public, private and philanthropic sectors and the international financial institutions (IFIs).

The HLIP’s members, predominantly economic and finance experts, serve in their individual and independent capacities. The HLIP is providing a Progress Note to the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors at their meeting in April 2021, and will present its full recommendations during their July 2021 meeting.

Marking four years since the pandemic was declared and two years into its formation, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Inter-Governmental Negotiating Bureau (INB) for the Pandemic Agreement unveiled the Negotiating Text on March 7^th, 2024. This text will be discussed during the ninth and penultimate session of the INB, to be held from March 18th to 28th in Geneva. Subsequently, it will undergo deliberation for formal adoption at the 77th World Health Assembly, set to convene at the end of May 2024.Top of Form

Several members of the World Trade Organization sought to know from the facilitator overseeing the reform of the WTO’s dispute settlement system (DSS) as to why his 49-page draft ministerial decision did not include language on the crucial pillar of Appellate Review, particularly the Appellate Body.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed fragilities in the global health architecture that contributed to countries being ill-equipped to effectively respond to a global health emergency, which in turn led to devastating consequences for children’s access to essential health services.

Increased political awareness and commitment to pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR) efforts offer a pivotal opportunity to make gains in child survival through resilient health systems that are anchored in a primary health care and rights-based approach.

Save the Children and UNICEF UK new policy briefing presents a series of measures for the WHO Pandemic Accord as well as recommendations for the broader health emergency PPR architecture.

Official page of the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)