This interest at country level is reflected in the increased attention that universal
coverage is receiving internationally. It was the topic of The World Health
Report in 20104 and a World Health Assembly resolution in May 2011 requested the
WHO Director-General “to convey to the United Nations Secretary-General the
importance of universal health coverage for discussion by a forthcoming
session of the United Nations General Assembly”5. Universal coverage is also a
focus of the International Labour Organization’s activities in the area of social
health protection as outlined in the World Social Security Report 2010/2011 on
providing coverage in times of crisis and beyond6 and related measurements7.
Another example is the Global Task Force for Universal Health Coverage, which
aims to align institutional efforts and support progress in countries by “convening
thought leaders, addressing key technical challenges and complexities, and
propelling the global movement for universal health coverage as it continues to
gain momentum”8.