On May 9, 2023, Last Mile Health delivered a statement on universal health coverage during the Multi-stakeholder Hearings on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) / Tuberculosis / Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at the United Nations headquarters.
Lauren Mawe delivering Last Mile Health’s statement
“In alignment with the Monrovia Call to Action, resulting from the 3rd International Community Health Workers Symposium in March 2023, Last Mile Health calls on the highest level of leadership including the United Nations system, Heads of State, Ministers of Health, Ministers of Finance, and other line Ministries, bilateral and multilateral partners, civil society, and the private sector, to fund, scale, and strengthen community health programs as an integral part of primary healthcare for the realization of universal health coverage.
In solidarity with other calls to support frontline health workers, community health workers deliver primary healthcare, improve health outcomes, and save lives. Community health is the equity arm of primary healthcare. Community health workers are leaders in providing an integrated package of services including in emerging areas, like non-communicable diseases and mental health. Investing in a professional community health workforce can produce a 10 to 1 return on every dollar invested as a result of healthier populations, increased productivity, and job creation, in particular for women.
Addressing the health workforce challenge is essential for progress towards all health-related sustainable development goals, universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness and response, and reducing the impacts of climate change.”
