Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets will remain unmet unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen health care by focusing on primary health care (PHC) and promoting self-care.

The coronavirus pandemic is challenging health systems and societies. The measures for restricting interpersonal contact that are being taken are aimed at flattening the COVID-19 infection curve, to prevent the health system from being overwhelmed by a sudden increase in the number of those infected and to continue to provide the best possible care for all patients.