The Road to Universal Healthcare Coverage in the Face of COVID-19: South Africa’s Struggles and Prospects

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of healthcare systems worldwide, especially in developing countries like South Africa. The country has been grappling with a long-standing struggle to achieve universal healthcare coverage, and the pandemic has brought to the fore the urgent need to address the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. This paper explores South Africa’s journey towards universal healthcare and the challenges and solutions it has encountered in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses the impact of the pandemic on the country’s healthcare system and highlights the inequities in access to care, especially among vulnerable populations. It also examines the policy responses implemented by the government to address these challenges, including the use of digital technology and community-based care. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve universal healthcare in South Africa beyond the pandemic and the importance of global solidarity in this pursuit.