Health promotion – recast and reinterpreted to augment revitalization of primary health care towardv universal health coverage (UHC) – can improve the health of at least a billion people as envisioned in the 13th General Programme of Work 2019–2023 of the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO was created to uphold better health for all people. Through the years, driving forces for health such as globalization, rapid and unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation, demographic ageing, infectious disease outbreaks, the growing epidemic of noncommunicable diseases and climate change have increased disparities, making the mandate for health equity more relevant than ever before. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) articulate UHC as one of its outcomes and provides a unique opportunity to place health promotion at the centre of the social development. The SDGs have also created new political space for health promotion. While multisectoral action for health has been pursued for decades, there is unprecedented opportunity to work with other sectors through the SDGs to secure the requisites for health. However, global advocacy for the SDGs and UHC needs to be supported by action on the ground. 

How can UHC be placed in the hands of the people? Community engagement is the key.