By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The World Health
Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, has
called for stronger primary health care (PHC) systems as African countries seek
to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage (UHC).
Janabi made the call while
participating in the 2nd International Primary Health Care Conference in
Arusha, Tanzania, where health leaders and development partners are discussing
how primary health care can drive the system-wide changes needed to expand access
to quality health services.
He said the immediate
challenge is to close the gap between health policy and implementation by
ensuring that financing reaches frontline services, healthcare is organised
around people’s needs and health workers receive the necessary support.
Janabi also stressed the
importance of using reliable health data to inform decisions and ensuring that
communities participate in shaping the systems designed to serve them.
According to the WHO
Regional Director, when these elements work together, primary health care
becomes more than a point of service delivery and provides the foundation for
health systems that are equitable, resilient, people-centred and trusted.
He emphasised that the
ultimate measure of progress should be reflected in the quality of care people
receive and the health outcomes they experience.
