The Lancet: Women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health needs universal health coverage
Robin Gorna, executive director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), and colleagues

“…Achieving [universal health coverage (UHC)] and the aims of the Every Woman Every Child Global Strategy are mutually dependent. Here are some central reasons why. First, persistent inequities in the coverage of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services underscore the urgency for equity-sensitive policies to deliver on the needs of the most vulnerable populations and excluded groups. … Second, households bear the brunt of the financial burden of paying for health services, creating a financial barrier to access and plunging families into poverty. … Third, integrated delivery platforms are … important. Health services for women, children, and adolescents must be the priority in any benefit package for UHC. … Finally, improving the health of all women, children, and adolescents is a sound social and economic investment for countries. … UHC is necessary if we are to achieve and sustain equity and reach every community with essential health services for women, children, and adolescents…” (12/12).