Bridging Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) and HIV Prevention with Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as the assurance that all individuals and communities receive the health services, they need without enduring financial hardship. Many countries, especially in Africa, aspire to achieve UHC as a crucial goal, given the challenges faced by underresourced health systems that result in service delivery gaps and disparities in access to care. Despite progress in improving health outcomes, Africa continues to grapple with weak health systems, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential services, impeding the journey towards UHC. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, nations worldwide are committed to attaining universal health coverage for all by 2030. However, the approach to achieving this goal varies significantly among countries, reflecting diverse strategies in structuring and financing their health systems. Sexual and reproductive health care is integral to realizing universal health coverage and is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, which mandate countries to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV prevention and treatment, by 2030.