Joint FPGH Intervention Delivered by The Deputy Permanent Representative of The Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Andreano Erwin, at The 146th Executive Board WHO Meeting, 3 February 2020
Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the member countries of the Foreign Policy and Global Health initiative comprising Brazil, France, Indonesia, Norway, Senegal, South Africa and Thailand.
Since its beginning in 2006, this unique group of diverse countries has been advancing global health issues within the framework of Foreign Policy decision making.
The group is proud that its annual UNGA resolution on Global Health and Foreign Policy in 2017 enabled the global community to move together to build a healthier world through universal health coverage.
Chair,
The adoption of a landmark political declaration on Universal Health Coverage in September 2019 is indeed a testament to the global collective efforts.
But we should not be complacent.
Throughout 2019, we have seen achievements as well as challenges in providing better access for all to a strong and resilient people-centered health system.
While the UHC service coverage index is increasing, the pace of progress has slowed since 2010. The incidence of catastrophic health spending of more than 10% of household budget has increased from 9.4% in 2000 to 12.7% in 2017.
Also, more people have been driven to poverty because of the high out-of-pocket expenditures for health services and care. Indeed, all persons should be able to receive high-quality essential health services without having to be burdened by financial hardship.
Health is a human right to be enjoyed by all, and not a privilege for the wealthy few.
The resolution “Global health and foreign policy: an inclusive approach to strengthening health systems” in December 2019, calls Member States to promote participatory governance of health systems with two main objectives:
- empowering those who are vulnerable or in a vulnerable situation, including women and girls,
- finding solutions for an effective and financially sustainable implementation of universal health coverage with primary health care as its cornerstone.
At this juncture, it is high time for us to reiterate political commitment in order to increase government and health budget and quality PHC, which is people centered and accessible by all access and financial protection are fundamental cornerstones in achieving UHC.
We urge countries to mobilize the necessary resources domestically – trough sustainable health budget by prioritizing primary health care. UHC is primarily a question of prioritizing in a rational and equitable way.
Member States must come up with measures to ensure financial risk protection, and eliminate poverty due to health‑related expenditure, including catastrophic out‑of‑pocket health expenditure.
Chair,
It’s time we take action and move forward to achieve the SDG by 2030.
Therefore, Indonesia’s FPGH chairmanship will focus on five areas of cooperation in ensuring affordable health care for all as follows:
First, Primary Health Care needs to be strengthened by promoting equitable distribution and adequate number of competent health workforce in order to better provide the whole range of comprehensive health services through life course approach.
Second, we need to improve availability and access to essential affordable quality medicine, vaccines, as well as other health products.
Third, we need to ensure that health systems are resilient and can withstand disasters, public health emergencies and conflicts.
Fourth, we encourage partnerships and collaboration between States, national health institutions, civil society, private sector and other relevant stakeholders in promoting affordable health care and services for all which includes affordable essential medicine and vaccine, while paying attention to potential conflicts of interests between stakeholders. Furthermore, effective multisectoral actions are essential in addressing social and commercial determinants of health.
Last but not least, cooperation between health and financial sectors should also be reinforced. We strongly believe that achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030, including providing affordable health care for all, is certainly not a dream, but can be made reality through partnership, whole of government and whole-of society approach and solidarity, to empower the vulnerable addressing their physical and mental health needs, enhance health equity and equality, end discrimination, eliminate gaps in coverage and create a more inclusive society.
