Health systems and the right to the highest attainable standard of health

Today, there is growing recognition that a strong health system is an essential element of a healthy and equitable society. However, health systems in many countries are failing and collapsing. It is vital to find ways of strengthening health systems. This briefing looks at health systems from the perspective of the right to the highest attainable standard of health. It outlines how this fundamental human right underpins and reinforces an effective, integrated, accessible health system - and why this is important. In other words, the briefing signals a right-to-health approach to health systems strengthening.