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What is Primary Health Care?

Encompassing the WHO's Declaration of Alma Ata (WHO 1978) and recent Primary Health Care: A Framework for Future Strategic Directions (WHO 2003), we define primary health care as:

Socially appropriate, universally accessible, scientifically sound first level care provided by a suitably trained workforce supported by integrated referral systems and in a way that gives priority to those most need, maximises community and individual self-reliance and participation and involves collaboration with other sectors. It includes the following:

• health promotion
• illness prevention
• care of the sick
• advocacy
• community development.

The Primary Health Care Research Information Service (PHC RIS) maintains an excellent page defining primary health care here.