US backs United Nations measure in favor of universal health coverage

By Elise Viebeck - 12/12/12 05:36 PM ET

The United States has backed a United Nations draft resolution favoring universal healthcare coverage.

The nonbinding measure calls on U.N. member states to ensure citizens' access to health insurance, and was approved by the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday.

Supporters say the draft resolution paves the way for the post-2015 development agenda to include universal health coverage.

Health insurance for all promotes "sustained, inclusive and equitable growth, social cohesion and well-being of the population," the U.N. said.

In 2010, the U.N.'s World Health Organization (WHO) expressed support for President Obama's signature healthcare law, praising it as an "unprecedented achievement" in the global push for health coverage.

Previously, WHO had ranked the United States 38th on its list of health systems worldwide, and first in terms of healthcare spending per capita.

The group defines universal coverage as "securing access to adequate healthcare for all at an affordable price."

Wednesday's U.N. measure was also supported by the United Kingdom.