Primary Health Care Advisory Group - First Meeting Report (2017)

On 20–21 June 2017, the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care hosted the first meeting of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event convened appointed members of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group as well as temporary advisers and guests with the aim of reflecting on two critical considerations: what should primary health care look like in 2030? What do health systems need to do to get there? This reflection was guided by the WHO European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery exploring changing demands for acute and chronic care needs in primary health care and then priority avenues as gateways for transforming services in practice: primary health care and hospitals, long-term care and public health services. Primary Health Care Advisory Group members and moderators delivered presentations as champions on the sessions’ topics. This report provides an overview of the meeting proceedings and discussions. The themes of these discussions are consolidated in a summary statement providing guidance towards a renewed vision for primary health care in the WHO European Region and will inform themes for the international conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Ata in 2018.