Global Drive for Primary Health Care Gains Ground at World Health Assembly: A Unified Call to Action
In a powerful demonstration of international unity and purpose, global health leaders convened at a pivotal side event during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva on 20 May 2025 to reaffirm their commitment to advancing primary health care (PHC) as the cornerstone of health systems worldwide. The high-profile gathering underscored a collective drive to accelerate political, technical, and financial efforts for the implementation of PHC, building momentum through the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC.
Held within the historic Palais des Nations, the event—titled “Implementing Primary Health Care: Building Momentum through the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC”—was jointly hosted by seven countries—Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Hungary, and WHO. The event brought together ministers, high-level delegates, and representatives from UN agencies to foster dialogue and alignment on PHC transformation efforts.
The session was moderated by Dr Suraya Dalil, Director of the WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care (SP-PHC), who emphasized the value of country-led reform and collaboration in shaping equitable and resilient health systems. Dr Dalil stressed that the Coalition’s mission is not only to connect countries but to create a dynamic platform for sharing innovations, scaling effective strategies, and nurturing sustained political leadership for PHC.
WHO and Kazakhstan Set the Tone for Collective Action
The opening remarks were delivered by Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, who articulated the global urgency for PHC. He reminded the audience that PHC is the most inclusive, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to delivering essential health services. Amid rising global health threats, climate change, and persistent inequities, he asserted, PHC is key to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring health security.
Dr Kluge’s remarks set the stage for a keynote address by Timur Sultangaziyev, First Vice Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan—a country that has long championed PHC, dating back to the landmark 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration. Sultangaziyev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s enduring commitment to PHC and stressed the importance of continued multilateral engagement to drive reforms. He highlighted that 18 countries from various regions have already joined the Global Coalition, signaling a tangible shift in global momentum.
Importantly, Sultangaziyev emphasized that the Coalition serves not as a symbolic platform, but as an engine of real change, driven by Member States and designed to inspire high-level political leadership, multi-stakeholder engagement, and international investment in PHC. He issued an open invitation for other nations and partners to join the movement and contribute to its growing strength.
Panel Highlights: Shared Experiences, Diverse Contexts
A key segment of the event was a panel discussion featuring representatives from Bhutan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay, as well as institutional voices from PAHO/WHO and UNICEF. Panelists spoke candidly about the challenges and breakthroughs experienced in their respective countries while implementing PHC-oriented reforms.
Each delegate underscored that while health systems differ in structure and resource availability, the principles of PHC—equity, accessibility, community participation, and integrated service delivery—resonate universally. Several speakers highlighted that political will remains the most critical ingredient for sustained reform. Others pointed to the need for long-term financing strategies, community engagement mechanisms, and capacity-building to reinforce PHC foundations.
Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of PAHO, shared insights on how regional cooperation has been instrumental in aligning political priorities and creating accountability frameworks across the Americas. She noted that cross-country initiatives and evidence-sharing are key tools in building resilient, responsive PHC systems.
Similarly, Dr Fouzia Shafique, Associate Director for Health at UNICEF, emphasized the importance of community-led partnerships and data-driven policymaking. She argued that success in PHC depends on inclusive governance models where citizens, providers, and local leaders collaborate to define priorities and deliver solutions tailored to the population’s needs.
WHO’s Technical Framework: Building Capacity and Evidence
A technical update was provided by Dr Shams Syed, Unit Head of Policy and Partnerships at SP-PHC, and Dr Faraz Khalid, Technical Lead for Evidence and Innovation at SP-PHC. The two experts outlined WHO’s growing support to countries through its operational framework for PHC, developed in collaboration with UNICEF.
Central to their presentation was the idea that political commitment must be translated into institutional capacity and policy coherence. They detailed WHO’s initiatives that support this transition, including:
- Cross-country learning exchanges to share lessons and best practices.
- Leadership development programs to train health decision-makers.
- Technical convergence efforts to align country plans with global health goals.
- Consolidation of country experiences into global public goods.
- Investment guidance to optimize funding allocation and utilization.
- Embedding compassion in policy—a novel theme that calls for empathy-driven leadership in public health.
Dr Syed and Dr Khalid also emphasized the importance of navigating the political economy of PHC, suggesting that reforms must consider power dynamics, financial incentives, and institutional culture to be successful and sustainable.
Country Reflections: France, Hungary, and Canada Voice Support
High-level speakers from France, Hungary, and Canada offered their perspectives on why the Global Coalition is a critical instrument for PHC advancement. Each country acknowledged that even high-income health systems face challenges in delivering equitable, accessible care, and reaffirmed their commitment to learning from global peers.
The Canadian delegate noted the country’s own efforts in promoting Indigenous health and mental health services through a PHC lens. France shared its ongoing work to decentralize care and integrate prevention across services. Hungary stressed the importance of coordinated investment and data integration to modernize its primary care networks.
All three nations reiterated that solidarity and shared learning are indispensable if the world is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
PHC as the Foundation of Health for All
Closing the session, Dr Suraya Dalil delivered a compelling call to action, reaffirming WHO’s unwavering support for the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC. She stated that PHC remains the bedrock of strong health systems and is essential not only for achieving UHC but also for strengthening health security in the face of global shocks such as pandemics, climate disasters, and economic crises.
Dr Dalil praised the momentum built through the Coalition and highlighted the path forward: continued political engagement, deeper international cooperation, and an unwavering focus on people-centered care.
As the world navigates a complex health landscape, the message from Geneva was clear—primary health care is not an option, but a necessity. The Global Coalition of Countries on PHC represents a growing international consensus that the time to unite and act is now. By harnessing shared wisdom, investing in community-led solutions, and anchoring health systems in PHC principles, the world has an opportunity to create a healthier, more just future for all.
Key Takeaways:
- 18 countries have joined the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC.
- The Coalition aims to foster political leadership and global investment in PHC.
- WHO and UNICEF provide technical guidance through the Operational Framework for PHC.
- Regional and country-level innovations are being shared and scaled.
- Political will, community partnership, and cross-sector coordination are vital for success.
