PHC measurement framework and indicators: monitoring health systems through a primary health care lens

The PHC measurement framework and indicators and accompanying annex of technical specifications aims to support countries to track, monitor and improve PHC capacities and performance towards the achievement of UHC and the SDGs. The framework and indicators build on globally and regionally established frameworks and indicator lists for health systems and UHC, while filling critical gaps on novel aspects of PHC measurement.


The framework organizes the three PHC components and 14 levers of the Operational framework for PHC into a logical results chain. It illustrates how monitoring progress across health system structures and inputs, and service delivery processes and outputs through a PHC lens can support countries to track broader progress towards desired health outcomes and impact.


The framework is underpinned by a PHC menu of indicators for country selection, adaptation and use according to context, priorities, and health system maturity. Countries can apply a stepwise approach to guide the selection and monitoring of indicators to inform PHC-oriented actions in the context of national and subnational planning and review processes.


Explore the PHC measurement framework and indicators below:

  • Click on the downward arrow next to any measurement domain box to expand the indicators under that domain, or select the button to “Expand all indicators at a glance” across the framework.
  • Click on any indicator to pop-up that indicator’s technical specifications (metadata).
  • View key linkages across the framework domains and indicators by hovering or clicking on each:
    • PHC component: Integrated health services, Multisectoral policy and action, and Empowered people and communities (in the left bars at the start of the framework); and
    • Cross-cutting monitoring domain: Quality, Equity and Resilience (in the bottom arrow of the framework).