CONGENITAL ANOMALIES AND UNIVERSAL HEALTH: LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Goal: To advocate for health investments, policies and programs that provide access to prevention and care for persons born with congenital anomalies in line with the universal health care agenda.

The World Health Assembly following the United Nations High Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage is an important opportunity to hear how countries are progressing on achieving health for all around the globe. But often the needs of children born with congenital anomalies who require specialty healthcare aren’t considered in the design of essential benefits for universal health care programs. Several countries have taken bold steps to prioritize and invest in the provision of specialized care to address this gap. But many more need to step up to the plate to ensure true universal health care and coverage for all.

This event will include a presentation and discussion sponsored and organized by Operation Smile, Children’s HeartLink, Global Alliance for Rheumatic and Congenital Hearts, MiracleFeet, the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Jhpiego and the G4 Alliance. We’ll discuss what resources are needed to serve children born with congenital anomalies around the globe in need of lifelong care, and how to advocate with policymakers for their inclusion in the universal health coverage agenda.

Speakers at the side event will share key lessons learned, and explore ways to integrate the screening and management of congenital conditions into national and sub-national policies as a critical contribution to addressing the SDG 3 targets, such as improving access to essential medicines, expanding financial protection for surgical and medical treatment, and including congenital anomalies in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Noncommunicable Diseases strategies.