10 things to know about global access to healthcare

The pandemic also stalled progress towards Health For All, the collective effort to ensure all people can access healthcare by 2030 (a commitment made by United Nations member states). No one should get sick and die because they can’t get the health services they need, but without drastic action, the WHO estimates that by 2030, up to 5 billion people will be unable to access healthcare.

Here are 10 important things to know about the fight to expand global healthcare access:

Since 1946, the right to health (including basics like access to care, safe drinking water, and adequate housing) has been internationally recognized as a fundamental human right. Yet sadly, achieving Health For All in the midst of climate change, the rise of chronic disease, unprecedented migrations and other global challenges is more difficult than ever. Health For All will require shared goals and large-scale collaboration. The 17 global ambitions represented in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) serve as both an urgent call for action and a collective ‘blueprint’ for a better future.

The food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe play a large role in our overall health. Not to mention the houses we live in and the education we receive. These social determinants are major drivers of global health inequities [4], which are only worsened by geopolitical conflicts, climate events and disease outbreaks. In addition to innovating solutions that help bring quality care to underserved communities, Philips works with governments and other public and private partners in the countries we operate in to address broad social issues (e.g. human rights and climate change) and provide support to people during global crises (e.g. COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine).

Capable of managing 90% of healthcare demands[5], primary care is a cost-effective way to address comprehensive health needs – from disease prevention and treatment to rehabilitation and palliative care – early and close to home.[6] Primary health care is key to strengthening health system resilience and widely regarded as the most inclusive and equitable way to achieve Health for All.[7] Given the myriad crises testing healthcare adequacy and resilience, there is a pressing need to re-think primary care delivery. That means utilizing digital and virtual care enablement and developing models that connect public and private resources, engage communities, and extend the reach to the last mile.

Globally, more than 800 women die every day from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth [7], and in 2020, roughly 13,800 children under five died every day [8] – deaths that are largely preventable. Furthermore, clinical studies point to the connection between adult likelihood of disease and in utero and early life conditions [9]. By identifying high-risk pregnancies earlier, expanding access to clinical care and monitoring, and providing tools to support healthy behaviors, we can help improve maternal and child outcomes and contribute to better health around the world.

The COVID-19 response demonstrated that when the right partners unite behind a common purpose and shared sense of urgency, they can deliver incredible results. Collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, and other public and private partners helps ensure more appropriate and sustainable healthcare solutions. Shared-value partnerships, like Philips’ longstanding partnerships with Amref Health Africa and UNFPA, leverage private-sector innovation power to make a real impact. Partners with complementary strengths, working closely with those involved in healthcare delivery and the communities served, can together achieve remarkable health outcomes.

Designing impactful and equitable health technologies starts with listening to patients and healthcare practitioners. Involving the local community in co-creation provides insight into health needs and the barriers people face. A truly inclusive innovation approach calls for ‘radical empathy’, addressing sometimes uncomfortable biases and recognizing the range of factors that contribute to health gaps. There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best solutions keep people at the center of the innovation process, adapting as needs change.

Commitments aren’t enough. Change requires action and evidence of impact. As part of our purpose, Philips is committed to improving the lives of 2.5 billion people a year by 2030, including 400 million people living in underserved communities. We not only set tangible goals, but we also share the outcomes of our actions. To ensure we remain on track, an externally audited model tells us how many lives have been improved by our products and solutions in a given year. Through (digital) technology and innovation and by working with partners around the globe, Philips and Philips Foundation are helping expand access to quality health services for those most in need.

As an individual, you can promote UHC Day on December 12 within your organization, share information and resources, and encourage your organization to join UHC2030 as a partner.

Are you part of a private company? The UHC2030 Private-Sector Constituency (UHC2030 PSC) is a platform for private sector entities wishing to exchange and collaborate on universal health coverage. As well, the Digital Connected Care Coalition (DCCC) is a global coalition accelerating the digital transformation of healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, and they are continually bringing on new partners committed to the mission of universal health coverage. The DCCC can help you find partners with complimentary skills. Explore ideas and learnings from current and past projects on Philips Foundation’s Knowledge Hub.

Are you a social entrepreneur with an innovative and scalable healthcare enterprise looking to collaborate? Find opportunities to partner with the Philips Foundation on accelerating high-impact access-to-healthcare solutions. Check out insights and learnings from current and past Philips Foundation projects and activities, and explore new ideas, solutions, or models for scaling access to care in underserved communities at the Philips Foundation’s Knowledge Hub.