LUSAKA SOCIAL PROTECTION COLLOQUIUM

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care (World Health Organization).

In 2018, the National Health Insurance Act was enacted to provide for sound financing for the national health system, universal access to quality insured health care services, establish the National Health Insurance Management Authority and provide for its functions and powers, establish the National Health Insurance Scheme and provide for its systems, procedures and operation, establish the National Health Insurance Fund and provide for contributions to and payments from the Fund, provide for accreditation criteria and conditions in respect of insured health care services, provide for complaints and appeals processes, provide for the progressive establishment of provincial and district health offices of the Authority. Universal Health Coverage is premised on the 1948 WHO Constitution, which declares health a fundamental human right and commits to ensuring the highest attainable level of health for all.

The colloquium is targeted to bring together different stakeholders who will be discussing issues around universal health coverage in Zambia.