Primary health care

The Declaration of Alma-Ata states that primary health care is essential health care based on scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods, universally accessible to individuals and families with their full participation at a cost that the community and country can afford in a spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.

The ultimate goal of primary health care is better health for all. WHO has identified five key elements to achieving that goal:

• universal coverage to reduce exclusion and social disparities in health;
• service delivery organized around people's needs and expectations;
• public policy that integrates health into all sectors;
• leadership that enhances collaborative models of policy dialogue; and
• increased stakeholder participation.