Abstract | Abstract: Background: It is over forty years since health ministers met with WHO and UNICEF & followed a rational health policy approach to develop and consent to the Alma Ata Declaration (WHO 1978). The Declaration set a global commitment to achieve Health for All, by 2000. Based on the principles of equity and community participation in health planning & policy making through an intersectoral approach. However, there were many perceptions of what the Alma Ata approach was, and lack of resources invested into the overarching principles, resulting in the vision of Health for All not being achieved. Which factors are supporting countries to achieve universal health coverage? Will the new Astana Declaration and SDG targets result in the right to health for all being achieved? Which approaches are reducing the gap between rich and poor? Pro- poor health financing strategies & social protection mechanisms are required. Methods: The presentation presents evidence from 20 years of research and work completed by the presenter and organisations such as Save the Children, World Vision and University of Westminster. All publications have been peer reviewed. Findings: Evidence demonstrates that services made available free at the point of access, through progressive taxation systems, are more pro- poor that other mechanisms (Save the Children 2008). Countries relying on informal payment mechanisms pull families into poverty and delay timely use of services (Keith et al 2005). Countries that value and seek the voice of citizens and health workers in planning have improved health outcomes (WV 2009, Keith 2018). |
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