Primary Health Care-Based Health systems: Strategies for the Development of Primary Health Care Team. (Series: Renewing Primary Health Care in the Americas No.1) [2009]

Primary health care (PHC) is recognized as a key component of health systems. Evidence of the impact of PHC on the health and development of the population supports this assertion. Moreover, the experience acquired in developed and developing countries has demonstrated that PHC can be adapted to different political, social, and cultural contexts. The demographic, social and epidemiological changes that have occurred since the Alma-Ata Conference entail the need for an in-depth review of the PHC strategy so that it can respond to the health and development needs of the world population.

PAHO’s proposal for the renewal of PHC is based on Resolution CD44.R6,1 of September 2003, which invited Member States to adopt a series of recommendations to strengthen PHC. The present document is the result of the aforementioned meeting.