Expanding Equitable Access to Health Services: Recommendations for Transforming Health Systems toward Universal Health

Abstract

The Region of the Americas has made considerable progress in improving the health of its population, but it remains one of the most inequitable regions in the world. The challenges are enormous and varied: millions of people lack access to comprehensive health services, health systems provide fragmented care, and there are major disparities in human resources for health. In response to these challenges, PAHO adopted the Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage in 2014, recognizing the need to transform or strengthen health systems and services to combat health inequities and secure health and well-being for all people in the Region. This report addresses the basic aspects of implementing the Strategy, offering Member States a series of practical recommendations to help them plan and implement changes that will lead to the strengthening of their health services. It reviews the practical recommendations related to the first strategic line of the Strategy and the three interrelated lines of action. It also explains how to select the services and benefits that should be prioritized as part of the progressive expansion of health services to communities. Finally, it considers issues related to stewardship and the management of transformative change. Understanding how to address change and stimulate investment in health, well-being, and development is essential to achieving universal access to health and universal health coverage.