Primary health care (PHC) refers to a whole-of-society approach to health that aims at ensuring the highest possible level of health and well-being and their equitable distribution. This is through focusing on people’s needs as early as possible along the continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. It should also be as close as feasible to people’s everyday environment.

PHC comprises of comprehensive integrated health services; multi-sectoral policies and actions to address wider determinants of health; and empowering individuals and communities for increased participation in health. PHC aims to take a whole-of government approach to health with a strong focus on equity. It includes comprehensive interventions that encompass the entire life-course. It also addresses the broader determinants of health and interrelated aspects of physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office along with its Country Offices is supporting countries to build health systems of the future oriented towards primary health care. This includes using evidence to provide advice on appropriate policies and actions to provide better-quality PHC services and address the social and economic determinants of health. WHO also continues to advocate for stronger political commitment and investment in primary health care across the Region.

Primary health care (PHC) refers to a whole-of-society approach to health that aims at ensuring the highest possible level of health and well-being and their equitable distribution. This is through focusing on people’s needs as early as possible along the continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. It should also be as close as feasible to people’s everyday environment.

PHC comprises of comprehensive integrated health services; multi-sectoral policies and actions to address wider determinants of health; and empowering individuals and communities for increased participation in health. PHC aims to take a whole-of government approach to health with a strong focus on equity. It includes comprehensive interventions that encompass the entire life-course. It also addresses the broader determinants of health and interrelated aspects of physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office along with its Country Offices is supporting countries to build health systems of the future oriented towards primary health care. This includes using evidence to provide advice on appropriate policies and actions to provide better-quality PHC services and address the social and economic determinants of health. WHO also continues to advocate for stronger political commitment and investment in primary health care across the Region.