Unaffordable health care still out of reach for billions, WHO warns

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged world leaders to take urgent action to address what it describes as a global crisis in access to affordable health care.

Marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025 on Friday, the UN health agency said millions of people continue to struggle to obtain basic medical services, despite repeated political commitments to achieve universal coverage by 2030.

In a statement accompanying a new report, the WHO said more than half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services, while one in four people faces financial hardship when paying for care out of pocket.

The organisation said health costs often force families to choose between medical treatment and basic needs such as food, education or housing.

“Despite numerous high-level political commitments to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, access to health care remains a major challenge for many people around the world,” the WHO said.

The agency warned that high health-care costs are leading many people to delay or avoid seeking treatment, increasing the risk of more serious illness and long-term financial strain.

“When people delay or forgo health care due to costs, they risk worsening health outcomes and longer-term health and financial burden,” it said.

The WHO also linked access to health care to wider global development goals, arguing that healthier populations contribute to more stable and productive societies.

“Health for all is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the organisation said, adding that improved health systems help build more resilient and prosperous communities.

The report noted that government action can significantly reduce the burden on households, calling on states to prioritise affordable and accessible care.

On UHC Day, the WHO appealed to global leaders to introduce stronger financial protection measures, including reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket payments for vulnerable groups such as low-income households and people living with chronic conditions.

Universal Health Coverage Day is observed annually to promote access to quality health services without financial hardship.

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