What is a key method for measuring progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?

One of the most critical methods for measuring progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the use of indicators like health service coverage. This method allows for the assessment of how well health services are being provided across different populations and regions, reflecting the accessibility and quality of healthcare available to the public.

Health service coverage indicators track the proportion of the population that receives essential health services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. By focusing on these indicators, policymakers and health organizations can identify gaps in service delivery, understand which areas require additional resources or improvements, and evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. This information is essential for ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to necessary health services, a fundamental principle of UHC.

In contrast, while population health outcomes are valuable indicators, they are often influenced by many external factors, making direct correlations to UHC progress more complex. Healthcare provider satisfaction can reflect aspects of the health system but may not directly indicate whether individuals are receiving necessary health services. Public health spending is important for health system financing but does not necessarily capture the extent to which health services are available or utilized by the population.