In observance of the 45th anniversary of the groundbreaking Declaration of Alma-Ata, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe is urging Member States to reframe their approach and make substantial investments in primary health care (PHC), designating it as the cornerstone of the global initiative for #HealthForAll.
In an era characterized by a persistent healthcare crisis that exacts an increasingly heavy toll on health systems worldwide, there is an urgent imperative to recalibrate and prioritize primary healthcare (PHC) as an indispensable foundation for achieving universal health coverage. This is not merely an option but a necessity. It necessitates a concerted effort by governments and health authorities to redefine and re-strategize the role of PHC. This involves innovative adaptation to harness both existing and forthcoming technological advancements, with an overarching goal to revive and enhance the human connection between healthcare providers and the individuals they serve. This transformation is anticipated to yield superior health outcomes, nurture the well-being of individuals and communities, fortify early access to healthcare services, and reestablish public trust in the healthcare sector.
This call to action was jointly presented by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe, the Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Europe and Central Asia Regional Office. These esteemed organizations served as the conveners of the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana this week, commemorating the dual milestone of the 45th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Ata and the 5th anniversary of the Declaration of Astana.
