According to the minister, the Executive has given priority to the social sector, particularly Health, with investment in human capital, the entry of new health professionals, the expansion of infrastructure, improved access to promotion, prevention and treatment services and rehabilitation to accelerate Universal Health Coverage in Angola.
"In recent years, we have focused on ensuring that our population has access to more quality health services, and on achieving several significant results. However, this progress, although a good reason to celebrate, should not be a reason to accommodate ourselves, as the path to achieving Universal Health Coverage in the world and, in particular in Angola, is still long. We must continue to work together, investing urgently in the resilience of our health system, in order to move towards the reach of Universal Coverage and providing health for all our citizens", said the government official, in a statement sent to VerAngola.
WHO studies show that ensuring access to healthcare for all can promote economic growth and employment, particularly for women, and increase economic growth rates in low- and middle-income countries by up to two percentage points.
Despite notable progress in improving the health of its citizens, particularly in addressing infectious diseases and reproductive, maternal and child health conditions, the African region is far short of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
WHO data from 2022 shows that only 7 out of 47 countries have good coverage of essential health services, with governments financing more than half of their health budgets. The data also records limited progress in addressing non-communicable diseases and improving the capabilities of health systems, but no progress in reducing the financial risks arising from accessing and/or using health services in the African region.
According to the WHO Representative in Angola, Humphrey Karamagi, it is necessary to convert the political commitment to Universal Health Coverage into concrete actions, which have an impact on people's health and well-being, leaving no one behind. "We are confident that the Government and people of Angola are making progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage - an important driver for achieving the health and well-being that our population desires."
For UNICEF Representative, Antero de Pina, "the celebration of Universal Coverage Day is a good opportunity to recognize Angola's commitment to strengthening primary health care in the country, as highlighted in the commitments of the Luanda Declaration".
