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Dr. Henry Perry, MD, PhD, MPH

This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions.

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This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions.

Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context of global health, their origins and meanings, the principles upon which they rest, and examples of how these principles have been implemented at both small and large scale. We will also explore some ultra-low-cost approaches to Health for All through primary health care, and the promise that primary health care holds for eventually achieving Health for All.

Each module of this course consists of approximately one hour or lecture, approximately one hour of additional readings or video presentations, and two additional hours devoted to studying for each of the quizzes, writing and evaluating two short peer-review assignments, and participating in the discussion forums.

Developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Open Education Lab.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Primary Health Care and Health for All: An Introduction
In this module, we'll go over some basics about the course and introduce you to the concept of primary health care as well as the history of its development. There is a short review quiz at the end of the module.
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Exploring What Primary Health Care Really Is
In this module, we'll dig more deeply into primary health care, examine its more recent history, and then hear from Carl Taylor, a giant in the field. When you're ready, please take the review quiz and complete the peer review assignment.
Approaches to Implementing Primary Health Care in Resource-Constrained Settings
Implementation of primary health care is challenging work, particularly when resources are in short supply. In this module, we'll examine some of the challenges and opportunities and look at some real-life examples. A short review quiz follows the lesson.
Achieving Health for All Through Community Health Workers and Innovative Community-based Programming
In most settings, community members are in the best position to provide care to their neighbors. In this module, we'll examine primary health care systems that are built around community health workers. When you've finished the lesson, you'll take your fourth and final review quiz.
Wrapping Up
In this module, we'll summarize what we covered in the preceding modules. Then, you'll have an opportunity to describe your own plan for implementing primary health care in our final peer review assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores global health initiatives, core values, and principles used in achieving worldwide health equity
Taught by two expert medical doctors and a doctor of public health, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on the topic
Developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Open Education Lab, known for its contributions to public health research and education
Examines best practices and successful case studies of primary health care implementation, offering practical guidance for students
Offers opportunities for peer review and discussion, promoting collaborative learning and critical thinking
Provides a comprehensive overview of primary health care, exploring its historical foundations, key principles, and implementation challenges

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Reviews summary

Primary health care: diverse perspectives

Learners say this course on primary health care provides a challenging yet valuable learning experience. Its informative lessons aid students in developing perspectives needed in their profession.
Students feel the material was substantial and well-rounded.
"This course was very informative."
"I got a better perspective in my job."
"It was both challenging and valuable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Health for All Through Primary Health Care with these activities:
Review Primary Health Care System Principles
Build a strong foundation and refresh your understanding of the principles underlying primary health care systems.
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  • Review the course syllabus and introduction module.
  • Read introductory articles and texts on primary health care principles.
  • Summarize the key principles and concepts of primary health care systems.
Review history of global health
Primary health care is a recent development in the history of global health. Understanding the path that led to its emergence will make it easier to grasp the principles upon which it rests.
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  • Read the provided reading materials on the history of global health.
  • Make a timeline of major events in the history of global health.
Organize and Review Course Materials
Enhance your understanding of course content by organizing and reviewing lecture notes, assignments, and other materials.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize lecture notes, readings, and other materials.
  • Summarize key concepts and ideas from each module.
  • Review and reinforce understanding of course content.
11 other activities
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Complete the provided tutorials on primary health care
Following guided tutorials on different aspects of primary health care can help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
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  • Follow the provided tutorials on the principles of primary health care.
  • Follow the provided tutorials on the implementation of primary health care.
  • Follow the provided tutorials on the evaluation of primary health care.
Participate in Peer Review and Discussion of Primary Health Care Approaches
Engage in peer-to-peer learning by discussing and critiquing primary health care approaches.
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  • Identify relevant discussion topics and share perspectives with peers.
  • Review and provide constructive feedback on peer submissions.
  • Summarize key insights and lessons learned from the discussion.
Explore Case Studies of Primary Health Care Implementation
Gain insights into real-world examples of how primary health care has been implemented and evaluated.
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  • Identify case studies of successful and challenging primary health care implementations.
  • Review case study materials and identify key success factors and challenges.
  • Discuss and analyze the findings with peers or a mentor.
Attend a Workshop on Primary Health Care Innovation
Gain exposure to cutting-edge approaches and best practices in primary health care delivery.
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  • Identify relevant workshops and conferences.
  • Register and attend workshop sessions.
  • Engage with experts and practitioners in the field.
  • Synthesize and apply knowledge gained from the workshop.
Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing primary health care in different settings
Discussing with peers on different settings will give you a more well-rounded view of the topic.
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  • Form a study group with your classmates.
  • Choose a specific setting to focus on.
  • Research the challenges and opportunities of implementing primary health care in your chosen setting.
  • Present your findings to your study group.
  • Discuss the implications of your findings for the implementation of primary health care in different settings.
Volunteer at a local primary health care clinic
Witnessing and participating in actual implementation of primary health care in a clinic can solidify your understanding.
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  • Find a local primary health care clinic that is willing to accept volunteers.
  • Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete any necessary training required by the clinic.
  • Volunteer at the clinic on a regular basis.
  • Reflect on your experiences and how they have contributed to your understanding of primary health care.
Develop a Primary Health Care Plan for a Community
Apply the principles of primary health care to design a comprehensive plan for a specific community.
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  • Identify a community and assess its health needs.
  • Research and analyze best practices in primary health care delivery.
  • Develop a detailed plan outline.
  • Write a comprehensive primary health care plan.
Volunteer at a Community Health Center
Gain practical experience and insights into the delivery of primary health care services.
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  • Identify and contact local community health centers.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and apply.
  • Participate in providing support services or assisting with health care delivery.
  • Reflect on and document your experiences.
Develop a proposal for a primary health care program in a specific community
Developing a proposal will help you to think critically about the implementation of primary health care.
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  • Identify a specific community to focus on.
  • Research the health needs of the community.
  • Design a primary health care program that meets the needs of the community.
  • Write a proposal for your primary health care program.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects Related to Primary Health Care
Engage with the global community and contribute to the advancement of primary health care through open-source initiatives.
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  • Identify relevant open-source projects.
  • Review and understand project documentation.
  • Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project.
  • Collaborate with project maintainers and other contributors.
Develop a Database of Resources on Primary Health Care
Create a valuable resource for yourself and others by compiling a comprehensive database of resources on primary health care.
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Show steps
  • Identify and collect relevant articles, websites, and other resources.
  • Categorize and organize the resources.
  • Create a database or website to host the resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Health for All Through Primary Health Care will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Community Health Worker
Community health workers provide basic health care services to people in their communities. They work with individuals, families, and groups to improve their health and well-being. This course would be particularly helpful for community health workers who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Health Educator
Health educators develop and implement health promotion programs. They work with individuals, families, and communities to improve their health and well-being. This course would be particularly helpful for health educators who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are health care professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They can diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care. This course would be particularly helpful for physician assistants who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed additional training to provide a wider range of health care services. They can diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care. This course would be particularly helpful for nurse practitioners who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses work with individuals, families, and communities to improve their health and well-being. They provide a variety of services, including health education, immunization, and disease prevention. This course would be particularly helpful for public health nurses who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They also provide preventive care and counsel patients on how to stay healthy. This course would be particularly helpful for physicians who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
International Development Specialist
International development specialists work with governments, non-profit organizations, and other organizations to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work on a variety of projects, including health care, education, and economic development. This course would be particularly helpful for international development specialists who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All in developing countries.
Social Worker
Social workers help people solve and cope with problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or entire communities. This course explores the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All. Primary health care is a comprehensive approach to health that focuses on prevention, promotion, and treatment. It is based on the idea that everyone has the right to health care, regardless of their income, social status, or location. This course would be particularly helpful for social workers who want to learn more about how to use primary health care to improve the health of their clients.
Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts research and analyze health care policies and programs. They make recommendations on how to improve the health care system and make it more accessible and affordable for everyone. This course would be particularly helpful for health policy analysts who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze health data. They work with researchers and public health officials to design and conduct studies, and to interpret the results. This course would be may be helpful for biostatisticians who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Health Care Administrator
Health care administrators plan, organize, and direct the operations of health care facilities. They work with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. This course would be may be helpful for health care administrators who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers conduct research to improve the understanding of diseases and develop new treatments. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course would be may be helpful for medical researchers who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of diseases and outbreaks. They work with public health officials to develop and implement programs to prevent and control diseases. This course would be may be helpful for epidemiologists who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about how to take them. They also counsel patients on how to manage their medications and stay healthy. This course would be may be helpful for pharmacists who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the teeth and gums. They also provide preventive care and counsel patients on how to maintain good oral health. This course would be may be helpful for dentists who want to learn more about the principles of primary health care and how it can be used to achieve Health for All.

Reading list

We've selected 20 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Health for All Through Primary Health Care.
This report provides a framework for action to strengthen health systems in developing countries, with a focus on the role of primary health care.
This practical guide provides health workers with essential information on the principles and practice of primary health care.
Provides a case study of how Cuba's primary health care system helped the country to weather the global oil crisis of the 1970s.
Serves as a comprehensive introduction to primary health care, providing a clear understanding of its concepts, principles, and practices. It offers a solid foundation for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in global health.
Provides a practical guide to implementing primary health care programs, focusing on the principles and strategies for effective planning, delivery, and evaluation of primary health care services.
Provides a theoretical framework for health promotion, with a focus on the role of primary health care.
Provides a comparative analysis of health care systems in developing countries, with a focus on the role of primary health care.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of providing primary health care in rural and remote areas.
Guide to water, sanitation and hygiene for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of community health workers. It valuable resource for community health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Practical guide to primary health care for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Guide to essential nutrition for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Guide to maternal and child health for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Guide to mental health for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.
Guide to vector control for health workers. It valuable resource for health workers, as well as for those who work with them.

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