Agenda Item No: 11. Universal health coverage 
Draft global strategy for integrated emergency, critical and operative care, 2026–2035 

 
Individual Statement  

Document  EB158/B158  

Chair, Distinguished Delegates, 

We welcome WHO’s continued leadership to advance universal health coverage, including through stronger, integrated health systems that can deliver essential services across the continuum of care, including emergency, critical and operative care.  

To make UHC real for people and communities, we also highlight self-care as a practical and people-centered approach that complements health system strengthening—supporting prevention, early action, adherence, and continuity of care, especially where access remains limited or fragmented.  

Self-care must not be seen as shifting responsibility away from governments or health systems. Instead, it should be enabled through quality-assured products and services, trusted information, and referral pathways that connect people to timely facility-based care when needed—including for urgent and life-saving interventions.  

We encourage WHO and Member States to integrate self-care within UHC reforms and service delivery, so that access is expanded, inequities are reduced, and health systems are strengthened. 

Thank you.