Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at Universal Health Coverage Day at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations - December 12th, 2025

Chair, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

I thank the Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage for the invitation to this important event. Brazil acknowledges the leadership of the Group and the role of key partners in advancing Universal Health Coverage at the United Nations, which certainly is a critical part of the solution to today's health challenges.

During this 80th Session of the General Assembly, Brazil chairs the Foreign Policy and Global Health initiative, launched in 2006, to promote discussion and action on global health at the United Nations General Assembly.

This year, the Initiative, in which Brazil takes part with France, Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa, Norway, and Thailand, will focus on accelerating the fight against socially determined diseases and addressing Social Determinants of Health. Factors such as income, education, gender, race, and place of birth profoundly affect life expectancy and well-being.

As the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health stated in 2008, "social injustice kills on a grand scale". Unfortunately, there has been not enough progress on the issue since then.

The new WHO World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity, published last May, reminds us that structural social determinants often influence health more than genetics or access to healthcare. Persistent infectious and non-communicable diseases are linked to poverty, hunger, and inadequate sanitation.

Gender inequality intersects with other forms of discrimination, while forced migration, conflict, and health emergencies add further complexity. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened inequities, leaving many low- and middle-income countries with high debt and limited fiscal space for health investment. Social injustice remains a central driver of health inequity. In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that marginalized communities still die in large numbers from preventable diseases. Often, the difference between illness and health is not medical solutions, but equity. Poverty denies people the right to health.

Brazil also notes that access to health regrettably continues to be a major cause for impoverishment, mainly through out-of-pocket payments. As prices continue to increase, we urge countries to promote transparency of markets for medicines, vaccines and other health products.

Eliminating socially determined diseases requires a multisectoral approach integrating health policies, social protection, and sustainable development. It also means expanding equitable access to affordable treatment, fostering research and innovation, and strengthening local manufacturing.

Universal Health Coverage is a key element of this process. Many Member States have national initiatives that offer lessons and opportunities for cooperation.

Proud of its universal health system, known by its acronym SUS – Sistema Único de Saúde or Unified Health System -, Brazil has worked to place this issue on the global health agenda, including at the UN and through the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

We also advanced this agenda in international platforms such as the G20 and BRICS. Under Brazil's G20 presidency, we launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Under Brazil's BRICS’ presidency, we also launched the Partnership on Socially Determined Diseases. We are most willing to share our experiences and to welcome partners into those international initiatives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Session, the Foreign Policy and Global Health initiative is working on a resolution on “accelerating the fight against socially determined diseases and addressing Social Determinants of Health”, facilitated by Brazil. It aims at highlighting structural injustices that perpetuate health conditions.

We invite all Member States to engage in discussions of the draft resolution that we will circulate shortly for adoption by the General Assembly. We look forward to a constructive engagement with all partners and to advancing our common struggle in this key area.

Thank you.