Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Building resilient primary health care system is vital to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging health threats, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonen said.
Opening the International Conference on Primary Health Care (ICPHC) today, the deputy premier noted that primary health care plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the population.
This is what the Ebola epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic reminded humanity, he added.
These crises have highlighted the need for comprehensive and integrated primary health care services to detect, prevent and manage diseases, Demeke stated, adding that this requires renewed global commitment and action.
“In Ethiopia, we have made significant achievements in expanding primary health care to ensure access to preventive and curative interventions,’’ he noted.
The flagship program, Health Extension Program, has brought essential health services closer to people, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
However, he stressed that the government recognizes that a lot remains to be done. “I trust this conference will provide a valuable platform to learn from one another.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, addressing the conference virtually, said supporting all countries to radically reorient their health systems towards primary health care is one of the organizations top priorities.
He said that primary-health-care approach is inclusive and cost effective to universal health coverage.
According to him, WHO remains committed to supporting Ethiopia to continue strengthening primary health care and to progress towards Universal health converge.
Health Minister Dr. Lia Tadesse pointed out that primary health care (PHC) serves as the foundation for any health system and its significance cannot be overstated.
She noted that in developing countries PHC serves as a life line for millions of people, brings health care services together to communities in ensuring that individuals regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location can receive the care they need.
Primary health care with its holistic ideology of comprehensive and accessible health services for all is the core of the deliberations of the conference, according to the minister.
The 3-day conference on primary health care has brought together more than 500 participants from various countries to discuss how countries are moving forward on primary health care.
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