Primary Health Care-Based Health systems: Strategies for the Development of Primary Health Care Team

Abstract

Primary health care (PHC) is recognized as a key component of health systems. Evidence of the impact of PHC on the health and development of the population supports this assertion. Moreover, the experience acquired in developed and developing countries has demonstrated that PHC can be adapted to diff erent political, social, and cultural contexts. The demographic, social and epidemiological changes that have occurred since the Alma-Ata Conference entail the need for an in-depth review of the PHC strategy so that it can respond to the health and development needs of the world population. PAHO’s proposal for the renewal of PHC is based on Resolution CD44.R6,1 of September 2003, which invited Member States to adopt a series of recommendations to strengthen PHC. The Resolution also urged PAHO to: consider the principles of PHC in technical cooperation activities, particularly those related to the MDGs; evaluate diff erent PHC-based systems and identify and disseminate good practices; propose a strategy for training health workers on PHC; and support PHC models at the local level. In response to this mandate, in May 2004, PAHO/WHO established a working group (WG) to make suggestions on future strategic and programmatic orientations on PHC. This process was directed by the offi ce of the Assistant Director (AD) and coordinated by the Health Services Organization Unit of the Technology and Health Services Delivery Area (THS/OS). The fi rst objective of the WG was to prepare the PHC position paper based on the legacy of Alma-Ata, the lessons learned in PHC, and the experience acquired in the reform processes. The position paper benefi ted from comments and suggestions by experts from within and outside the Region. In July 2005, the Regional Consultation was held in Montevideo, Uruguay, with the participation of representatives from 30 countries, who prepared the draft of the Regional Declaration on PHC. On September 29, 2005, the 46th Directing Council2 ratifi ed the Regional Declaration...