Universal Health Coverage Day 2025
Universal Health Coverage Day 2025: Putting People First by Investing in Primary Care
Universal Health Coverage Day reminds us why health systems exist in the first place – to offer care that people can afford, trust, and reach when they need it. This year’s theme, focusing on the burden of unaffordable healthcare, speaks directly to the daily reality faced by millions: the choice between seeking treatment and meeting basic needs. It is a reminder that without strong, well-funded primary care, universal coverage remains a promise rather than a lived experience.
For WONCA, the path forward is clear. Universal Health Coverage can only be achieved when the core values of Primary Health Care are brought to life – care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated and person-centred. At the 78th World Health Assembly earlier this year, WONCA stated plainly that family doctors are central to this vision, as doctors of people rather than diseases, integrating prevention, treatment and community engagement across the life course. Read our full WHA statement.
The evidence for primary care’s impact is long-established. Health systems with strong family medicine achieve better access and outcomes, whether in high-income countries or across Africa and Asia. Yet year after year, primary care teams remain underfunded, while growing out-of-pocket costs push households into hardship. These pressures weaken communities and hold back progress on health, equity and development.
The message of UHC Day aligns closely with the concerns raised by Member States and civil society. Around the world, people are calling for protection from catastrophic health costs, fair financing, and a shift toward health systems built on prevention and continuity of care. Strengthening primary care is the most efficient and equitable way to meet these demands.
WONCA urges governments to invest in family doctors by training, supporting and retaining them, and by expanding multidisciplinary primary care teams to meet the needs of their communities. This is the foundation on which resilient and inclusive health systems are built, and it is essential for advancing Universal Health Coverage and achieving health for all.
Today, we join partners worldwide in calling for meaningful action – investment that recognises the indispensable role of primary care, and policies that protect people from financial hardship. UHC Day is not only a moment to reflect, but a moment to recommit to systems that put people first.
You can explore this year’s global messages and advocacy tools on the UHC Day Toolkit.
Health for all is possible – but only if primary care is strengthened, funded and recognised as the heart of Universal Health Coverage.
