Improvement to health care delivery requires a deliberate focus on the quality of health services, which involves providing effective, safe, people-centered care that is timely, equitable, integrated and efficient. The urgent need for action for Universal Health Coverage with quality was set out in the United Nations Resolution on Universal Health Coverage adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
Increasing evidence shows that ensuring the quality care prevents death and disability. High quality health systems could prevent an estimated half of all maternal and newborn deaths alone according to the Lancet Commission on High Quality Health Systems (2018). Quality does not occur spontaneously. The challenge to deliver quality care is faced at all levels – national, district and in health facility. The potential of health system performance and health outcomes rests on all stakeholders.