Wednesday
Oct152008
Primary Health Care - Overcoming Inequities
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 10:14AM 
Yesterday, the World Health Organization issued its annual World Health Report which, on the 30th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration, once again renews its vows to the critical issue of primary health care. Indeed, after decades of sailing adrift and billions spent on seemingly promising vertical programs, the foundations of health systems have slowly but surely dismantled or witnessed varying degrees of neglect.
Please read this very important document as it highlights a topic crucial to the wellbeing of our nation and region at a time when we are being devastated by chronic diseases.
Reader Comments (3)
On the surface, this and many other WHO publications look great. Unfortunately, they rarely say much that healthcare/public health professionals don't already know, and have known for a long time. What's more important, the people who are suffering know it and live these inequalities daily.
I was particularly disappointed on the CSDH (Commission on the Social Determinants of Health) report recently, regarding health inequalities. We KNOW that poor health is as much (in many cases more) related to social factors and political will as it is to biological determinants.
Having said that, it's good to put it in writing and in the spotlight, although, like the MDGs, I have my doubts as to what this will accomplish. Without the dedication of those who have the means to enforce findings, I'm sorry, but we're just chasing our tails while patting ourselves on the back. VERY misleading.
We need political and social will. I just got back to Kuwait last week from an international health conference, and felt just as frustrated at the lip service being paid to health issues. I grew up in Kuwait, spent the last three years doing public health research in one of the poorest countries in the world (in sub-Saharan Africa), and see patterns shared in both countries.
Different places, different health priorities, SIMILAR PATTERNS.
We need to stop these top-down approaches and get the patients and their communities involved and taking the lead. Hell, I think I saw more progress in one village by letting my research and subsequent public health projects be directed BY THEM, than in communities served by some international humanitarian groups. This logic applies just as much to wealthy countries as it does to the bottom 3 in the world.
Just a thought.
Forgot to say, thanks guys for this site!
I just came across it a couple of days ago by pure coincidence while researching another topic...
Hi There! siblings loves your excellent article thank you and please stick to it.
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