Primary health care (PHC) is the backbone of strong health systems, ensuring everyone gets fair, affordable, and quality care. In 1978, world leaders agreed on a bold vision for PHC—one that goes beyond clinics to include community empowerment, prevention, and tackling social causes of poor health.
Yet, decades later, Allen and colleagues (2025) reveal that even major global health organizations struggle to define and implement PHC consistently.
The study analyzed 30 international groups, like WHO and UNICEF, and found fewer than half mentioned PHC in their strategies.
When they did, most reduced PHC to just “basic health services” rather than the full, transformative approach envisioned in 1978. Only one organization described PHC as a “whole-of-society” effort. This mismatch risks underfunding critical parts of PHC, like community engagement and multisectoral action, while overemphasizing clinical care.
The authors argue that 2025—a midpoint for global health goals—is a crucial chance to realign. They urge organizations to reclaim PHC’s original vision: not just clinics, but a fairer, healthier world for all.
Major global health groups often limit PHC to basic care, missing its full potential. Allen and colleagues (2025) call for realignment in 2025 to prioritize equity, communities, and prevention—not just clinics.
Luke Allen, Erica Barbazza, Tova Tampe, DrPH, MPH, Suraya Dalil, Shamsuzzoha Syed, Faraz Khalid Luchuo Engelbert Bain Nigeria Health Watch EUPHA – European Public Health Association IOSHM (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health Management) American Public Health Association Society for Social Medicine & Population Health Students for Global Health International Society of Global Health Doctors for Global Health IFMSA | International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations Public Health Insight Global Health Council Global Health Association of Kenya (GHAK) Social Epidemiology Lab
SOURCE: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7349754378410459137
