Why must women, children & adolescents be a UHC priority?
Speeches and Discussions
Why must women, children & adolescents be a UHC priority?
Gro Harlem Brundtland recalls witnessing women giving birth with no assistance. She is joined by fellow Elders Hina Jilani, Mary Robinson and Graça Machel in explaining how Universal Health Coverage empowers women, and should be free at the point of use.
"I have seen women in childbirth with no assistance. I have seen midwives struggling to help at the delivery because she has to use a torch or even now her mobile phone to have enough light to see the woman." –Gro Harlem Brundtland
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Countries should implement UHC strategies that move swiftly to full population coverage in an equitable way, giving a high priority to meeting the needs of women, children and adolescents.Sign up to our newsletter
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Get updates with The Elders newsletter#UNGA80 | The UN’s recognition of Palestine is an important step but it cannot be the finish line. This is not the time to say “we’ve done our part”.
— The Elders (@TheElders)September 25, 2025
It’s the time to act.@HelenClarkNZ urges that recognition must be followed by real change on the ground.pic.twitter.com/KZnqPKCDnH