WASHINGTON: The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that more than half of the global population, or 4.5 billion people, lack access to comprehensive healthcare.
This crisis is exacerbated by the fact that 1.3 billion individuals are pushed into poverty or extreme poverty due to healthcare costs. Despite the pressing need for universal healthcare, progress has been slow, with minimal advancements in ensuring that all 8 billion people worldwide can access essential health services.
World Bank to Provide Affordable Healthcare To 1.5 Billion
In response to this urgent issue, the World Bank has set a target to extend affordable healthcare to 1.5 billion people by 2030. World Bank President Ajay Banga announced this goal in a statement released on Sunday through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi, established in 2000, focuses on improving access to vaccines in the world’s poorest countries.
Banga emphasized the importance of universal healthcare coverage for development, stating, “Providing a basic standard of care for people throughout their lives is critical for development. This ambition won’t be realized by solo efforts; it requires a coalition of public and private sector partners working together to expand healthcare access.”
Innovative Solutions to Healthcare Shortages
The WHO predicts a shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, primarily affecting low- and middle-income countries. However, research by the World Economic Forum highlights generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising solution to this challenge. AI could help alleviate workforce shortages by automating routine tasks, improving patient engagement, and enhancing data analysis.
AI’s potential includes automating manual tasks such as transcribing doctor-patient interactions and drafting communications. It can also facilitate more effective patient engagement through AI-driven chatbots and triage services, improving patient care and streamlining healthcare processes.
Gender Gap in Healthcare
A recent report, “Closing Women’s Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity to Improve Lives and Economies,” reveals that equitable healthcare for women could significantly improve the lives of over 3.9 billion people. Women currently spend more years in ill health compared to men, despite living longer.
The report highlights a critical lack of research and funding in women’s health issues, including pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health, which receive less than 2% of medical research funding. The report was released alongside the launch of the Global Alliance for Women’s Health at Davos 2024, an initiative aimed at prioritizing and advancing women’s health.
