In the wake of the wide-ranging health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not surprising that progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has stalled. Now more than ever it is essential to prioritise action. As the climate crisis deepens, armed conflicts worsen, health emergencies become more common, and economies more volatile, inequality widens as a result. Countries with resilient health systems will be better able to prepare for, respond to shocks, protect, and increase UHC.