A new theme issue of the WHO Bulletin takes a closer look at primary health care and the research necessary to achieve the vision laid out in Alma Ata over forty years ago – and recommitted to in the2018 Astana Declaration – of health for all. The issue is introduced in an editorial by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Articles in the issue also look at what’s needed to achieve the vision of primary health care, the specifics of emergency, critical and operative care components, the use of digital health services, the roles of communities, the rural/ urban divide and more.
In his editorial, the World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stresses that:
"Multisectoral efforts to strengthen primary health care must have equity at their core, and be a solid foundation for pandemic responses and emergency preparedness. Strengthening primary health care will help us respond to future challenges. Ultimately, primary health care is an investment in a healthier, safer, fairer and more sustainable future."
