Tokyo: Countries and partners today reported continued progress toward the World Bank Group’s goal-set in April 2024-to help deliver affordable, quality health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030. Building on that momentum, 15 countries introduced National Health Compacts, outlining practical, five-year reforms that aim to expand primary health care, improve affordability, and support job-rich economic growth.
According to World Bank, since the goal was announced, the World Bank Group and partners have helped countries reach 375 million people with quality, affordable care. Work is now underway with roughly 45 countries to scale proven primary care approaches that strengthen health outcomes while generating employment across health workforces, local supply chains, and supporting industries.
This progress comes as governments confront aging populations, rising chronic disease, and financial pressures. The 2025 Global Monitoring Report-released today at the Tokyo Universal Health Coverage High-Level Forum-
shows that 4.6 billion people lack access to essential health services and 2.1 billion people face financial hardship due to health expenses. These challenges underscore the need for long-term, coordinated reforms that help countries build more resilient and equitable health systems.
In Tokyo, the 15 participating countries presented National Health Compacts endorsed at the highest levels of government. These Compacts align Health and Finance Ministries behind measurable targets, provide a roadmap for coordinated action, and guide support from development partners around country-led priorities. The reforms focus on expanding the reach and quality of primary care, improving financial protection, and strengthening the health workforce.
Countries have committed to mobilizing new financing, growing and digitally enabling their health workforce, modernizing facilities, expanding insurance coverage, and using digital tools to improve service delivery. Examples include investing in connected, service-ready facilit
ies in the Philippines and Uzbekistan, and Sierra Leone’s aim for every citizen to access quality primary care within five kilometers.
Efforts to diversify primary care delivery are underway in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Ethiopia and Saint Lucia are focusing on digitally enabling and strengthening the health workforce. Kenya and Morocco are removing financial barriers to care, while Nigeria is boosting regional manufacturing of health products and technologies.
Progress toward the 1.5 billion goal depends on coordinated support. The World Bank Group, Gavi, and the Global Fund announced aligned financing, including $2 billion co-financed with each institution. Philanthropic partners are mobilizing up to $410 million of support. Seed Global Health is working with compact countries to build capacity and provide support for assessments, planning, and policy development.
Japan, the United Kingdom, and others are providing technical assistance to help countries implement reforms. To strengthen knowledge sharing,
Japan, WHO, and the World Bank Group launched the Universal Health Coverage Knowledge Hub, supporting countries with practical, evidence-based solutions and peer learning. The Universal Health Coverage High-Level Forum brought together health and finance ministers, business leaders, philanthropies, global health agencies, and civil society.