Primary Health Care Renaissance: Beyond the Concept and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

By Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed
Author, Primary Health Care Renaissance in Nigeria: Strengthening the Foundation of the National Health System
Author, Trust Renewal: The Integrity Call for Better Health for All
Convener/CEO, Initiative for Health Accountability and Transparency (IHAT)
Founder, Integrated Healthcare Strategies and Analytics (IHSA) Ltd
Founder, Health Development Academy

Nigeria has invested decades of effort, resources, policies and reforms in Primary Health Care (PHC). Yet a critical question remains: Are these investments translating into PHC services that are functional, accessible, responsive, integrated and trusted by the people?

The Primary Health Care Renaissance calls for more than another reform, programme or infrastructure project. It is a call to rethink, reposition and transform PHC to meet the realities of today and the health needs of tomorrow.

The article explores a crucial shift, from counting facilities, programmes and inputs to asking 

what people actually experience when they seek care. 

Are skilled health workers available? 

Are medicines and diagnostics accessible? 

Can patients move smoothly through the referral system? 

Are communities heard and able to demand accountability? 

Most importantly, do people trust the health system enough to use it?

A true PHC renaissance requires stronger leadership and governance, functional integration, people-centred care, sustainable financing, better use of data and technology, community accountability and a focus on measurable health outcomes.

The conversation must therefore move beyond β€œHow do we strengthen Primary Health Care?” to a bigger question:

β€œWhat kind of Primary Health Care system does Nigeria need for the coming decades, and what must we do differently to build it?”

This conversation continues in the forthcoming book:

πŸ“˜ Primary Health Care Renaissance in Nigeria: Strengthening the Foundation of the National Health System

The book explores how Nigeria can move beyond fragmented interventions and isolated reforms towards a PHC system that is functional, integrated, accountable, people-centred, responsive and trusted.

It builds on the earlier publication:

πŸ“– Trust Renewal: The Integrity Call for Better Health for All

which examined the critical role of integrity, accountability and public trust in improving health-system performance and health outcomes.

Together, the two publications represent a connected journey:

From renewing trust in the health system β†’ to reimagining Primary Health Care β†’ to transforming the way care is experienced by people and communities.

What to Look Out For

πŸ“˜ Coming Soon: Primary Health Care Renaissance in Nigeria: Strengthening the Foundation of the National Health System

πŸ“– Also Available: Trust Renewal: The Integrity Call for Better Health for All

πŸ’» eBook: Digital editions will provide accessible opportunities for health professionals, policymakers, researchers, students, development partners and emerging health leaders to engage with these ideas.

Read the full article and join the conversation on transforming Primary Health Care in Nigeria.

                                                                   πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡    

πŸ“Ž Primary Health Care Renaissance Beyond the Concept and Why it Matters.pdf