High-quality clinical care is a critical priority for achieving Universal Health Coverage, which is a key target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WHO plays a central role in ensuring that people receive the right care in the right place at the right time through the development of evidence-based guidance, protocols, and decision-support tools. The quality of clinical services—whether primary, emergency, critical or operative care—directly impacts health outcomes, particularly as countries strive to meet UHC targets. 

As health systems evolve to provide care for more people, existing approaches to clinical care must be continuously evaluated and improved. Clinical guidance needs to be relevant and actionable in diverse healthcare settings. This process involves emphasizing the continuum of care, integrating new evidence, adapting to technological advancements and addressing emerging healthcare challenges.

To support this process, WHO has established the Technical Advisory Group on Integrated Clinical Care (TAG-IC2) to focus on the priority areas within clinical services, particularly those related to primary, emergency, critical and operative care. The TAG-IC2 advises WHO on the development and revision of integrated evidence-base guidance, standards, protocols and pathways across the four delivery channels. By providing expert evaluations, evidence synthesis, and validation of clinical recommendations, TAG-IC2 ensures that clinical guidance is grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and adapted to the evolving needs of health systems.