From the launch of the 2010 World Health Report to the Montreux Global Symposium on Health Systems Research, universal health coverage (UHC) has decisively risen to the top of the global health agenda. At the same time, there is growing debate on the definition, approach, and results of such health coverage reforms. Is UHC just a buzzword? Or is there a concrete and worthwhile movement behind universal health coverage?

These questions were addressed in the final installment of the joint series "New Visions for Improving Health Care in the Developing World" between the Global Health Council and the Results for Development Institute on March 2, 2011. The session took place from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

The session, “What Would it Take to Get Universal Health Coverage Around the World? Lessons from Countries on the Move” offered new perspectives on ongoing health coverage reform efforts, including in-country trends and organizational efforts around universal health coverage.

Panelists defined the concept of universal health coverage, identified key trends observed across countries pursuing health financing reforms, discussed other perspectives on UHC and offered presentations on global initiatives, including the Joint Learning Network and Providing for Health. These programs are supporting efforts to expand coverage in countries. Julian Schweitzer, Principal at Results for Development, moderated the session.

Panelists included:
· Gina Lagomarsino, Managing Director at Results for Development
· Brian Latko, Program Officer at Results for Development
· Davidson Gwatkin, Senior Fellow at Results for Development
· HS2020 and USAID, represented by Catherine Connor of Abt Associates
· Providing for Health, represented by the Irina Nikolic of the World Bank

When: 9:30 to 11:30 am, March 2, 2011

Where: The Global Health Council, 1111 19th Street NW, Suite 1120, Washington DC