Universal Health in the Americas: Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs Through Primary Health Care

Date: 1 July 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
Interpretation available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and International Sign Language.

Background

The ��鶹��Ʒ (��鶹��Ʒ) recently published the report, which presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of universal health in the Region of the Americas, focusing on three key indicators: unmet healthcare needs, coverage of essential health services, and financial protection. The report highlights both the progress made and the persistent challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality health services without causing financial hardship or other access barriers.

Webinar Purpose

This webinar aims to disseminate the key findings of the report and facilitate a meaningful discussion among experts about innovative approaches to addressing barriers to access healthcare in the Americas. The event will highlight the report's unique integration of three critical indicators and explore data-driven strategies to strengthen primary health care (PHC) as the foundation for achieving universal health.

Target Audience

Health policymakers and government officials; healthcare administrators and professionals; academic researchers and public health experts; civil society organizations focused on health equity; international development partners and funders.

Agenda

Welcome and Opening Remarks by moderator: Cristian Morales Fuhrimann, ��鶹��Ʒ/WHO Representative in Bazil.

Overview Presentation: Key Findings of the Report

Presenter: Ernesto Báscolo, Unit Chief, Primary Health Care and Integrated Services Delivery (HSS/PH), ��鶹��Ʒ.

Brief summary of methodology and analytical framework.
Snapshot of current progress toward universal health in the Americas.
Introduction to the three integrated indicators and their significance.
Conversational Panel: Addressing Key Challenges.

Conversational Panel: Addressing Key Challenges

1. Unmet Healthcare Needs and Context-Specific Solutions

Panelist: Adriano Massuda, Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Discussion points:

The finding that one-third of people report forgoing needed care.
Critique of "imported" healthcare models and standardized approaches.
The importance of data-driven, contextually appropriate PHC implementation.
Case examples of successful tailored interventions.

2. Innovation in Measurement: The Power of Integrated Indicators

Panelist: James Macincko, Professor of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

Discussion points:

The methodological innovation of combining three indicators in a single framework.
How this integrated approach reveals previously obscured patterns and relationships.
Implications for policy development and health system design.
Recommendations for future research and measurement approaches.

3. Addressing Financial Barriers and Strengthening Data for Effective Monitoring

Panelist: Gabriela Flores, Senior Health Economist, WHO Headquarters, Geneva.

Discussion points:

Financial hardship in health: 7.8% face catastrophic expenses; 14.2% forego care due to financial constraints.
Link between financial protection and unmet healthcare needs.
Current gaps in data on all three indicators.
Strengthening UHC monitoring and data systems to guide equitable PHC policies and resource allocation.

4. Non-Financial Barriers: The Hidden Obstacles to Care

Panelist: (TBC)

Discussion points:

How organizational, availability, acceptability, and geographic factors collectively account for over 40% of unmet healthcare needs.
The need for comprehensive approaches that address both financial and non-financial barriers.
PHC strategies to reduce organizational and geographic barriers.
Cultural competence and acceptability in healthcare delivery.

Q&A Session