Approximately how many people were not covered by essential health services in 2021?

In 2021, approximately 4.5 billion people were not covered by essential health services. This statistic reflects global health disparities and highlights the significant challenges in achieving universal health coverage, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure, limited access to health services, and socio-economic barriers contribute to this high number.

As countries strive to improve access to health services, this figure emphasizes the urgent need for reform and investment in healthcare systems to ensure that a greater proportion of the population can receive essential health services. The importance of this data lies in its capacity to inform policymakers and health leaders about the scale of the problem and guide efforts toward closing the gap in health service access.