GENEVA — On 20 May 2025, a major effort to speed up progress on primary health care (PHC) was highlighted at a side event during the 78th World Health Assembly. Health leaders from across the globe gathered to strengthen political commitment and emphasize the need for international cooperation to advance PHC.
The event, held at the Palais des Nations, was titled “Implementing primary health care: Building momentum through the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC.” It was co-hosted by Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Hungary, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Suraya Dalil, Director of the WHO Special Programme on Primary Health Care (SP-PHC), moderated the meeting. Participants stressed the importance of a country-led coalition to promote lasting reforms focused on PHC.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized that PHC is central to building healthier and more equitable societies. He called for urgent action to engage more countries in the global movement supporting political commitment to PHC.
Timur Sultangaziyev, First Vice Minister of Health of Kazakhstan, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the Coalition’s mission to provide strong political leadership by member states and to sustain advocacy that drives global action and investment in PHC. Sultangaziyev noted that 18 countries have already joined the Coalition and invited all nations and partners to participate.
A lively panel discussion followed, featuring representatives from Bhutan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay, along with experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and UNICEF. Panelists discussed the crucial role of political will in maintaining PHC reforms. Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of PAHO, explained how regional cooperation has strengthened political support for PHC in the Americas. Dr. Fouzia Shafique, Associate Director for Health at UNICEF, emphasized the need for strong, community-focused partnerships and evidence-based conversations.
WHO technical experts Dr. Shams Syed and Dr. Faraz Khalid provided an update on the organization’s support for the Global Coalition. They referenced the WHO-UNICEF operational framework for PHC and explained that political leadership is the foundation for PHC transformation. Their presentation highlighted WHO’s efforts in fostering cross-country learning, leadership development, technical alignment, sharing country experiences, guiding investments, and promoting compassionate leadership. They also stressed the challenge of managing the political economy involved in PHC reforms.
Senior officials from Canada, France, and Hungary reflected on why the Coalition is essential for advancing PHC. They emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and shared learning among countries.
Dr. Suraya Dalil closed the event by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to PHC as the cornerstone of health systems worldwide. She highlighted its key role in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthening health security.
As health challenges continue to evolve, the Global Coalition of Countries on PHC aims to unite nations and maintain momentum toward the goal of health for all.
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