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Forty years ago, the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 affirmed that health is a fundamental human right and a moral imperative. Every human being – regardless of their religion, race, gender, age or wealth – should be able to receive the quality health care they need, in their community, without discrimination or financial suffering. In addition, all people have the right and duty to participate in the planning and implementation of their own health care.
As we commemorate Alma-Ata at 40, we have a great opportunity to move forward with new urgency and intensity. By standing together in support of the global effort to meet the promises of the Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, faith organizations can advance the agenda on universal health coverage.
Faith organizations around the world are on the front lines of health care delivery, and we have unparalleled reach and influence in our communities. It is critical that we – not only as health care providers, but also as religious and moral leaders to millions of people – unite behind the effort to provide equitable and accessible health care for all.
While diverse organizations contribute to the health sector, governments are ultimately responsible for the health of all of their people. It is an act of injustice for any government to deny any part of its citizenry health care, or to create or sustain situations where some people cannot attain the highest possible level of health.
The World Council of Churches is dedicated to supporting universal health coverage. By convening faith leaders, advocates, policy makers and civil society, joint efforts toward universal health coverage will be stronger, more persistent and more attainable.
The World Council of Churches stands alongside organizations from across the world’s faith traditions to urge every country to take steps to achieve Health for All.