Universal Health Coverage: The Contribution of Commonwealth Scholars
The CSC has published a policy briefing paper which examines how Commonwealth Alumni contribute to progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a central component of both Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well‑being and the UK government’s international development strategy. Drawing on alumni reporting between 2019 and 2024, the briefing identifies 541 Alumni whose work explicitly supports UHC, within a wider group of 1,192 Alumni contributing to SDG 3.
Using a coding framework aligned with the World Health Organization’s definition of UHC, the analysis identifies seven thematic areas of contribution, with the most prominent being strengthening health systems, particularly through governance and policy development. Many Alumni work on national health strategies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks, helping to improve the efficiency, equity, and accountability of health systems. Case studies illustrate this through work on mental health policy in the Maldives and medical waste management legislation in Nigeria.
A second major area of contribution is equity and inclusion, especially the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups. Alumni support improved access to maternal, newborn, and child health services, promote respectful and rights‑based care, and address barriers faced by stigmatised communities, including people affected by HIV. These initiatives often combine community engagement, service delivery, and evidence‑based advocacy.
The briefing also highlights Alumni contributions to financial protection, a key underlying aspect of UHC. Examples include efforts to improve understanding and uptake of community health insurance, reducing the risk of catastrophic out‑of‑pocket health expenditure for low‑income households.
Overall, the briefing concludes that Commonwealth Scholarships make a meaningful contribution to Universal Health Coverage, aligning with UK commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals. At a time when global progress on UHC is stagnating, Alumni contributions demonstrate the value of investing in higher education to strengthen health systems, promote equity, and deliver lasting development impact.
The full policy brief can be read here.
