Health financing and social protection
Universal health coverage - the ultimate aim
Many people in the Asia Pacific region, especially the poor and vulnerable, face severe barriers to accessing quality health care. This is of particular concern during the current global economic crisis. Appropriate health financing policies can help reduce these barriers to access, and thereby extend health gains to those most in need.
The WHO provides technical support to countries in developing such health financing policies. The ultimate aim is universal coverage, where all people have access to appropriate promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services at an affordable cost.
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