title: The missing link--the role of primary care in global health.
abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the role of primary care in the context of global health. Universal health coverage is a key priority for WHO and its member states, and provision of accessible and safe primary care is recognised as essential to meet this important international policy goal. Nevertheless, more than three decades after Alma Ata, the provision of primary health care remains inadequate, indicating that primary care has not received the priority it deserves, in many parts of the world. This is despite the proven health benefits that result from access to comprehensive primary health care. We highlight some examples of good practice and discuss the relevance of primary care in the context of health equity and cost-effectiveness. Challenges that influence the success of primary care include the availability of a qualified workforce, financing and system design and quality assurance and patient safety.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Human Development, University of East London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Mala
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of International Health, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; eva.pilot@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pilot
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D014943:Global Health; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019472:Universal Health Insurance / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: global health; health equity; primary care; universal health coverage