"Bridging Communities to Care: The Pivotal Role of Community Health Nurses in Achieving Universal Health Coverage"

Abstract: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has emerged as a global priority to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Achieving UHC requires strong primary health care systems, equitable access to services, community participation, and a competent health workforce. Among healthcare professionals, Community Health Nurses (CHNs) play a central and irreplaceable role in translating UHC goals into reality at the grassroots level. This review article examines the multifaceted role of community health nurses in achieving Universal Health Coverage, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, equitable service delivery, financial risk protection, and community empowerment. The article explores global and national perspectives on UHC, the alignment of community health nursing practices with UHC dimensions, challenges faced by community health nurses, and strategies to strengthen their contribution. By highlighting evidence from existing literature, this review underscores that strengthening community health nursing is fundamental to advancing UHC and improving population health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.