A new data portal tracking universal health coverage (UHC) has been launched by the WHO. The portal features the latest data on access to health services as well as information about equity of access. The data is displayed globally and per each WHO’ s Member State. As part of the Sustainable Development Goals all UN Member States have agreed to aim to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Accelerating access to UHC is critical for addressing the growing the cancer burden, particularly in many low and middle income countries where every year, the catastrophic expenditures related to cancer treatment and care pushes thousands of vulnerable families further into poverty.
The data available on the portal is highly relevant for cancer planners and includes cancer-specific interventions including cervical cancer screening. Overall, 79% of countries reported having cervical cancer screening programmes in place in 2015.