Health coverage deficits, especially in low-income countries

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that "Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality" (Art. 22).

The ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) reaffirms the human right to social security, including health protection. It emphasizes the need for national legislation to specify:

• the population covered;
• a defined set of essential health care services including prevention and maternity care;
• complaint and appeal procedures.

Source: ILO, 2014 (WSPR)

A close relationship between coverage rates and income levels of countries is apparent: the lower a country's income, the more likely it is to experience coverage gaps in health protection. Often, vulnerable population groups do not have equal access to necessary health care. Frequently, this is due to gaps in legislation, and particularly concerns the poor; workers in the informal economy and their families; women; persons with special needs, such as persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as ethnic minorities and migrants.

Health coverage by region: Proportion of population affiliated to national health services, social, private or micro-insurance schemes, latest available year (percentages)

Source: ILO, 2014 (WSPR)