We are primary health care

Primary health care (PHC) is essential for integrated, patient-centred health systems that focus on ensuring continuity of care, while rethinking the role of hospitals and specialist care. The new health systems framework, adopted at the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, reflects this by making PHC the top priority.

Family doctors, also known as general practitioners, and PHC nurses play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of their communities. However, they do not operate in isolation. Delivering high-quality PHC requires support from psychologists, social workers, pharmacists and community members, all of whom play important roles within the team.

This selection of photographs from central Asia captures the complexity of providing effective PHC to local communities, from high-tech urban clinics to remote rural outposts. Whether it is a doctor performing advanced diagnostics at a PHC facility, a nurse riding on horseback to provide care in remote settlements in mountainous areas, or family doctors travelling in a mobile clinic to reach underserved populations, they portray resilience, dedication and collaboration.

The images shine a light on the essence of PHC, its adaptability and person-centred approach. They are also a reminder that the future of health care in central Asia depends not only on innovative technologies and policies, but also on the interpersonal connections that PHC teams foster, ensuring that every person in every community receives well-coordinated, timely services in alignment with their needs. PHC teams need to be well supported with good working conditions and adequate resources to do their work.

The photographs were first presented as part of the exhibition titled “We are PHC” at the WHO/Europe Subregional technical workshop on strengthening the role of family doctors in primary health care in central Asia (2–3 October 2024, Almaty, Kazakhstan).