Devex: Opinion: Universal health coverage and the power of partnerships
Ann Aerts, head of the Novartis Foundation

“…Access to adequate health care should be universal, no matter where you live or what your income. … [H]ow do we achieve a more inclusive global health system? We must reassess our ideas of health care delivery and look at the issue holistically. We must recognize that disease and health are not discrete episodes in our lives, but part of a bigger picture. We need agile health services to respond to this, with more networks and better quality of care. … [T]he development of innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions can support and advance [universal health coverage (UHC)]. All stakeholders must work together to continue to implement programs that offer solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health issues … However, we have learned that it is only when governments share in this endeavor and integrate solutions — digital or otherwise — into national services and policy that we can make UHC a reality” (9/18).