The world of healthcare is vast and complex and in that world, primary care stands as the cornerstone of preventative health. It’s the first line of defense against the myriad health challenges that individuals face throughout their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the critical role of primary health care (PHC) in ensuring the highest possible level of health and well-being for all, highlighting its importance in the global pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Foundation of Preventative Health
Primary health care is more than just the first point of contact for individuals seeking health services. It represents a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach aimed at addressing the full spectrum of health needs at every stage of life. From health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, PHC is designed to be as close as possible to where people live and work. This approach ensures that care is accessible, equitable, and effective, focusing on the comprehensive and interrelated aspects of physical, mental, and social health and well-being.
The Impact of Primary Health Care on Global Health
The significance of PHC in the global health landscape cannot be overstated. Over 1 billion people worldwide are at risk of falling into poverty due to out-of-pocket health spending, underscoring the urgent need for effective primary care services. The WHO reports that scaling up PHC interventions could save 60 million lives and increase average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030. Moreover, an estimated 75% of the health gains projected from the SDGs could be achieved through PHC, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing global health and well-being.
Investing in Primary Health Care
Achieving the ambitious targets set for PHC requires significant investment. An additional US$ 200 to US$ 328 billion a year is needed to provide a more comprehensive package of health services. This investment is not only necessary for expanding access to essential health services but also for addressing the broader determinants of health, including social protection, food systems, education, and environmental factors. By investing in PHC, countries can improve equity and access, enhance healthcare performance, and achieve better health outcomes, particularly in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Way Forward
For universal health coverage to be truly universal, a paradigm shift is needed. Health systems must transition from being disease and institution-centered to being people-centered. This requires a whole-of-government approach to health, incorporating health-in-all-policies, a strong focus on equity, and interventions that span the entire life course. The WHO is at the forefront of supporting countries in reorienting their health systems towards PHC, identifying strategic areas of work to strengthen PHC worldwide, including implementation support, evidence and innovation, and policy leadership.
Primary health care is the most inclusive, equitable, cost-effective, and efficient approach to enhancing people’s physical, mental, and social well-being. As the “programmatic engine” for UHC, the health-related SDGs, and health security, PHC is indispensable in our collective pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world.