IFPMA statement at the Multi-stakeholder Hearing on Universal Health Coverage
9 May 2023, New York – IFPMA read the following statement at the Multi-stakeholder Hearing on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Excellencies and distinguished participants, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) would like to thank the UN General Assembly for convening these multi-stakeholder hearings.
COVID-19 has highlighted the link between UHC and global health security and brought broad recognition that chronic conditions and pandemics constitute a “perfect storm” that requires building strong and resilient health systems and increasing health equity.
Lessons from the pandemic emphasize the critical role of primary healthcare (PHC), which should include life course approaches to prevention (including vaccination), health promotion, screening, diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and follow-up. This can only be sustainable with sufficient domestic financing.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being requires investing more and investing better on effective interventions toward UHC. While UHC is the primary responsibility of governments, success relies on the combined efforts of all stakeholders.
As a partner of the UHC2030 movement, IFPMA and our members reinforce the private sector’s commitments to achieving UHC and fully support the UHC2030 Action Agenda and the UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency (PSC) Statement, which outline key principles to guide collective action toward UHC. The innovative pharmaceutical industry is committed to scaling up our contributions to UHC. We acknowledge our role in helping to improve access to quality, affordable vaccines, medicines, and healthcare for all via innovative approaches and partnerships.
Sustained political support and effective multi-sectoral mobilization will be needed for countries to properly resource and protect health and care workers and strengthen PHC systems as the foundation of UHC. UHC is the only solution to ensuring a stable and predictable flow of resources to the health sector and is an investment in the foundation of a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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About IFPMA
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) represents over 90 innovative pharmaceutical companies and associations around the world. Our industry’s almost three million employees discover, develop, and deliver medicines and vaccines that advance global health. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community improve the lives of people everywhere. For more information, visit ifpma.org.
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