Report of the International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata, USSR, 6-12 September 1978

Overview

A report on the historic Alma-Ata conference, jointly convened by WHO and UNICEF, that focused world attention on primary health care as the key to achieving an acceptable level of health throughout the world.

Following an introductory chapter on the definition of primary health care, the book turns to the topics of primary health care and development, operational aspects of primary health care, and national strategies and international support. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maximum community and individual self-reliance as the most reliable route to widespread, equitable, and sustained improvements in health.