A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, released ahead of World Health Day on April 7, 2026, highlights a persistent global crisis in health coverage. The findings, based on 2023 data, show that at least 4.5 billion people—more than half of the world's population—still do not have full coverage of essential health services.
The report, "Tracking Universal Health Coverage: 2023 Global Monitoring Report," indicates that despite progress before the COVID-19 pandemic, improvements have stalled. The pandemic itself caused significant disruptions to health services worldwide, exacerbating existing inequalities. The lack of access is most acute in low- and lower-middle-income countries, and among the poorest populations.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, without financial hardship. The report warns that without accelerated action, the world is off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target for UHC by 2030. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for a renewed global commitment to health as a fundamental human right.
