We believe that everyone should be able to access quality healthcare to enable them to live full and healthy lives. The best route to this is through integrated primary healthcare, delivered by empowered healthcare workers. However under-investment in primary care systems and workforce has resulted in fragile. fragmented systems, especially in resource-poor settings.

Within this context, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental illness represent a particular challenge to overstretched health systems. NCDs now make up 7 of the world’s top 10 causes of death. Without a strong primary health care system, NCDs are often unrecognised until they cause significant disability or premature death, as well as making people more vulnerable to infectious disease.

Innovative solutions to ensure strong primary health workforce and systems – are urgently needed, particularly in low and middle income countries – to respond to new and existing demands.

Preyal listened carefully and asked insightful questions. She was able to draw some really useful parallels between her work and mine, and shared very relevant and practical examples of what has worked well for her in the past which I can apply in my work.  

Julia Beart, CEO, Primary Care International