UN designates December 12 as International Universal Health Coverage Day

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday designated December 12 as International Universal Health Coverage Day and called for greater efforts of the member states to ensure universal health coverage.

In a resolution adopted on the day, the General Assembly invited all member states to observe the International Universal Health Coverage Day annually "in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, through education and activities, in order to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage."

The General Assembly called for efforts to ensure that all people have equal access to promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative basic health services.

The assembly also called for reinforcing the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, and hospitals and other medical facilities, especially in armed conflict. Enditem