Science: Health for all
Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Henrietta Fore, executive director of UNICEF

“…Achieving health for all will … require a change in mindset. We must examine the barriers that deny health care to so many others. Such barriers can take different practical, cultural, or social forms, but identifying them can inform the development of new tailored solutions. … This new mindset will require a shift in business models. Instead of seeking solutions that have the greatest utilitarian value, it could be better to look for innovative solutions that have an intended disproportionate impact, largely benefiting the few rather than the many. … As the 2030 deadline looms for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), … providing health for all is likely to become increasingly more difficult. The good news is that nations have already taken the first major step with the SDG Global Action Plan, a commitment made last year by global health agencies to unite around efforts to accelerate progress. The hope is to start implementing a plan in September 2019. Health for all is achievable, but this vision requires new thinking by everyone” (4/26).

SciDev.Net: Child immunization as key pathway to health for all
Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa and chair of the UHC2030 Steering Committee

“…One particular entry point to universal health coverage is immunization … All children — no matter where they are born — should have access to prevention as well as health care including live-saving vaccines. This is a fundamental principal of universal health coverage. Yet low-income, migrant, and marginalized groups continue to face disproportionate challenges accessing prevention and quality, affordable health care. … Achieving health for all in Africa means paying close attention to the needs of these key populations. … [V]accines truly embody the principle of universal health coverage because immunized children are protected from disease no matter where they live. … As commitment to reaching the last mile in health gains momentum, it is critical that we come together as a community — political leaders, technical experts, and civil society alike — to find ways to deliver basic health care services such as immunization to every person no matter where they come from. … [T]o be successful, these commitments at the political level need to be coupled with effective partnerships and an engaged civil society, reflecting the local circumstances and national dialogues that must shape each country’s unique pathway towards health for all” (4/26).