COVID-19 has exposed the gaps in health systems and has highlighted the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), one of WHO’s major goals. Countries that have made good progress towards UHC have been able to better manage the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The Republic of Korea and Viet Nam are two examples from the Western-Pacific Region of WHO.

The Republic of Korea

Approximately 97% of the population is insured through the country’s universal single-payer health care system, while the remaining 3% are wholly covered with government subsidies. 

The national response to COVID-19 owes much to experience gained from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In the early days of COVID-19, the Republic of Korea adopted a widespread testing strategy that included people who did not have symptoms. Based on its testing capacity, the county has tracked the spread of the disease and effectively implemented control measures.

Viet Nam

Viet Nam has invested heavily in its public health-care system and health spending has outpaced the country’s recent booming economic growth. Coverage of the national social health insurance scheme has increased from 13% to 87% of the population between 2000 and 2017. As part of its commitment to achieving UHC and strengthening preventive care, Viet Nam was building emergency preparedness capacities even before the pandemic.

Viet Nam has been hailed for its response to COVID-19, issuing public health warnings and directives based on risk assessment before the first case had appeared in the country as well as instituting rigorous contact tracing procedures and strict travel requirements. Viet Nam’s investment in UHC, particularly in preventive measures, have effectively supported the COVID-19 response.