Pretoria: The Department of Health, in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, is set to host a public panel discussion focused on accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security in South Africa. The event is scheduled for Monday, 3 November 2025.

According to South African Government News Agency, the department emphasizes that UHC and health security are critical priorities in global health today. Achieving both will enable countries like South Africa to improve health outcomes, protect populations from future pandemics, generate economic growth, and reduce entrenched inequalities within society.

Despite facing several challenges, including legal threats against the National Health Insurance (NHI), South Africa continues its efforts to achieve UHC. This public event aims to bring together leading voices in global health to engage with South African policymakers, practitioners, academics, students, civil society, and
the wider public. The discussion will focus on how UHC and health security can be advanced together.

The panel will feature internationally recognized thought leaders, including Professor Alistair McGuire from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr. Makoto Tobe from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Professor David McCoy from the United Nations University, Dr. Finn McGuire from the University of York, and Professor Nicolas Crisp, NHI Deputy Director-General from the Department of Health.

The session will be led by Professor Robert Yates from the London School of Economics and Political Science. It aims to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, inspiring collaboration, and charting a way forward for South Africa to ensure every citizen can access quality health services without financial hardship.

The event will take place at the Future Africa Campus of the University of Pretoria at 6 pm.