On 21 September 2022, H.E. Don Pradmudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand co-hosted the 3rd annual ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage and Global Health side event on “Investment in Health Systems Strengthening for Universal Health Coverage through a Primary Health Care-Oriented Approach”, with Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage and Global Health, WHO, IFRC, UHC2030 and UN Foundation, at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York.

The event provided a platform for identifying the effects of COVID-19 on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), sharing efforts to build back better and accelerating progress towards UHC, as well as identifying a shared vision of Health for All and clear objectives for UHC and global health security.

DPM/FM shared thoughts on how to make UHC more available and capable of tackling new health challenges such as ageing population and emerging diseases.
He conveyed three key messages:

(1) It is important to invest in UHC as the foundation of strong and resilient health systems and a cost-effective social protection measure.

(2) The empowerment of communities and social participation in primary health care, including through the Village Health Volunteers Program and training of migrant workers, contribute to an effective containment of COVID-19.

(3) Prevention and healthy life-style promotion make UHC sustainable.

DPM/FM also highlighted the recent establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEEED) as the centre of excellence and regional hub to strengthen regional capabilities to prevent, prepare, detect, and response to emerging health emergencies.

This event kickstarted a platform for thematic discussions for all relevant stakeholders to engage and prepare for the 2023 High-Level Meeting on UHC in New York.

Videoclip of the event >>>