WHO – Tracking Universal Health Coverage, 2023

According to global estimates, the world is not on track to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. Progress in improving health service coverage has stalled since 2015, and there has been an increase in the proportion of the population facing catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending. The Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) and catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending (SDG 3.8.2) have not made significant progress since 2000. Only a few countries have managed to improve service coverage and reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending. Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, most countries have either worsened or shown no significant change in their service coverage. Low-income and lower-middle-income countries have seen the most significant improvements in service coverage but have also experienced the largest increases in catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending. There is regional variation, but overall, all regions have shown stagnant service coverage and worsening financial hardship. To address these issues, context-specific policies are required.