Riyaz Patel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been honoured with the Universal Health Care Award in recognition for his leadership towards universal health coverage for all South Africans.
“This award is both a personal and collective honour shared by the social partners in South Africa who are united in our effort to build a healthy nation in which all citizens have access to health care and services regardless of their ability to pay for such services,” said Ramaphosa.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize received the award, by the New York-based non-governmental organisation Access Challenge, on behalf of Ramaphosa in New York.
The president had mandated DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor to lead the SA delegation to the UN, affording him time to focus on pressing domestic issues.
Led by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Access Challenge works with national leaders to advocate for equal access to health care and education for the world’s most underserved populations.
The recognition of South Africa’s plan to achieve universal health coverage enabled by National Health Insurance coincided with the adoption of the UN Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage, or UHC, which commits countries to advance towards full coverage for their citizens in four major areas around primary care.
President Ramaphosa said the recognition by Access Challenge will serve as further motivation for government to continue working with all sectors of society to achieve universal health coverage in line with the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP).
“This is a critical part of eradicating inequality in our society and building the South Africa we want,” said Ramaphosa
