Half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services. Over 1 billion people are at risk of falling into poverty from health care costs that are 10% or more of their household budget. Primary health care (PHC) is an approach that engages all facets of society in organizing and strengthening national health systems to bring health and well-being services closer to communities.
At Jhpiego, we understand that while the global vision of PHC shares common aims and objectives, its success is rooted in country contexts, the realities of existing health systems, and local health workforces. To us, PHC is much more than providing immunization or family health services at a clinic. Rather, to be successful, strong PHC must focus on individuals and their communities, strengthen health systems, and measurably improve health for citizens.
Drawing on Jhpiego’s strong people, networks, and know-how across technical areas and geographies, we work closely with national and subnational governments to identify their needs and opportunities, and integrate catalytic interventions that make PHC systems work to provide better care.
Our Approaches
Integration of cutting-edge technology and AI solutions
We identify cutting-edge digital and AI-powered solutions for both client and health workers to bring primary health care closer to home. These tools help ensure care is available at different service levels, increase access to and availability of health services, promote self-care, and foster innovation for health information collection and use.
Use of quality data
We work with countries to increase the availability and use of quality PHC data and support the adoption of data-driven insights to inform decision-making, enhance service delivery, and continuously improve the effectiveness of interventions and services.
Private sector partnerships
We tap into the dynamic spirit of innovation, swift adaptation, and diversity of the private sector (including social entrepreneurs). Through learnings from locally relevant private sector approaches, we help to develop market-based solutions for PHC that improve access to quality health services and products.
Community participation
We bring local communities and formal health systems together to strengthen community participation and feedback. This approach helps communities identify and solve local problems and advocate for their needs and rights, enabling them to achieve a higher level of health and wellness.
Gender equity in health care
We integrate proven gender-transformative solutions and tools to support the PHC workforce as they overcome gender-based barriers to entry, helping them grow and lead in their professions and building a more equitable and supportive workplace.
We work with clients and communities to address harmful gender norms that inhibit equitable access to primary health care information and services, influence health-seeking behaviors and practices, and impact health outcomes.
Design and systems thinking
We use design and systems thinking methodologies to collaborate with stakeholders, communities, health care providers, and clients to understand and define what each group needs and wants. Then we jointly reimagine, test, and implement services to deliver on that vision.
Program Experts
Chantelle Allen
Senior Principal Technical Advisor, Primary Health Care
Building Trust: Diego’s Journey to Enhancing Primary Health Care in His Community
Since he was a child in a small Guatemalan town bordering Mexico, Diego Raymundo knew he wanted to help others. He grew up understanding the importance of community service and, as he began to think about his career, giving back to others soon emerged as a priority.
"Behind every successful health care provider, lies a passionate team of individuals who are dedicated to the well-being of their clients. They are the backbone, working tirelessly to provide the best possible care to clients, making sure our doors are open to all.”
— Rongsenlila Pongen, Nurse and Community Health Officer in Nagaland, India
PHC serves as the first line of defense against emerging infectious diseases, making it a critical approach for pandemic preparedness and global health security. At Jhpiego’s event during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, health workers from Burkina Faso, India, and Nigeria highlighted the realities of delivering quality primary health care and preparing a robust response to emerging infectious diseases.
“Health facilities like mine are often the first point of contact between the community and the health system. We help members, no matter what, helping them feel safe and encouraging them to come to the facility. I work hard with the community to make sure they understand this.”
- Roger Zingue, Nurse in Charge, Burkina Faso
“I feel like I make a difference when I teach children how to avoid contracting Lassa fever. We asked some of the young children we educated to show us what they remembered learning. They showed us everything we had taught them. It was then that we understood that we did our best.”
- Vivian Oluchukwu, Community Health Extension Worker, Nigeria
“When people can’t access health facilities, we go the extra mile, quite literally, to ensure their well-being. Every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the fundamental right to access healthcare, and it is our collective duty to uphold and protect this right.”
- Triveni Pitembar, Community Health Officer, India
