The Mediating Role of Universal Health Coverage Between International Health Regulations Core Capacities and Mortality from Communicable Diseases

Authors : Deniz Tugay Arslan

Pages : 544-553

Doi:10.54005/geneltip.1623431

View : 65 | Download : 41

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Communicable diseases continue to pose a significant threat to public health and sustainable development efforts. To address this challenge, targets under the Sustainable Development Goals focus on enhancing healthcare capacity and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Improving the physical and technical capacity of healthcare services and ensuring access aim to support the fight against communicable diseases. This study aims to determine the mediating role of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage in the relationship between International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities and mortality rates due to communicable diseases. Materials and Methods: The study utilized 2021 data from 183 World Health Organization member states that are party to the IHR, without sample selection. A simple mediation model was developed, and assumptions of mediation effect analysis were tested through regression analyses to evaluate relationships between variables. Results: A significant negative effect was observed between IHR core capacities and mortality rates due to communicable diseases. Additionally, a significant positive effect was identified between IHR core capacities and UHC service coverage. In the model incorporating both IHR and UHC, a significant negative effect was observed between UHC service coverage and mortality rates due to communicable diseases. Mediation analysis revealed that UHC service coverage fully mediates the effect of IHR core capacities on mortality rates due to communicable diseases. Conclusion: The findings suggest that IHR core capacities alone have a limited effect on reducing mortality rates without adequate healthcare access. Supporting IHR core capacities with improved access to healthcare is essential. Countries should continue efforts to enhance IHR core capacities and integrate these efforts with UHC policies to effectively combat communicable diseases.
Keywords : Bulaşıcı hastalık, Evrensel Sağlık Kapsamı, halk sağlığı, sürdürülebilir kalkınma, Uluslararası Sağlık Tüzüğü

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