Devex: Opinion: Investing in health can move UHC from utopia to reality
Diane Gashumba, minister of health in the Republic of Rwanda

“Universal health coverage represents the aspiration for all people in the world to receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Such a proposition may sound utopian — even impossible — but I believe we can achieve it. Lessons from my country, Rwanda, show that with determination, leadership, and investment, we can go far. … To ensure that we meet the health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, we shall continue our efforts to increase domestic financing for health. At the same time, we shall need to retain the support of our development partners. … I encourage all leaders in the health sector across Africa to express their commitment to working to increase domestic financing and to voice the importance of the Global Fund for ongoing and planned health programs in their countries. As we step up to the fight to achieve UHC, the success of the replenishment of the Global Fund this year will be pivotal” (9/25).

Devex: Opinion: If we want universal health coverage, we need complete business leaders
Chris LeGrand, president of DAI Global Health

“…The UHC 2030 goals are essential but, in my opinion, unachievable without radical thinking executed through nimble, forward-leaning organizations acting in networks carefully orchestrated to produce tangible results. Complete business leaders must step up to make this happen. … Complete leaders are well-rounded and grounded, can integrate across disciplines, and can inspire diverse constituencies to produce results. … What is needed is a convergence of the public sector, with its mission, policy-setting mandate, reach, and resources, and the private sector, with its focus on innovation, results, efficiency, and financial sustainability. … Marrying public and private sector interests in the pursuit of UHC will require us to adopt novel technical and management models, create unconventional partnerships, integrate myriad sources of financing, leverage digital tools and approaches, and win sustained political commitment…” (9/25).