ACCESS Health Participates at the WHO SEAR PHC Forum’s Regional Workshop on Innovations for Quality Integrated Primary Health Care
ACCESS Health International recently participated in the Regional Workshop on Innovations for Quality Integrated Primary Health Care, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from August 27 to 29, 2024. The workshop, convened by WHO SEARO, brought together representatives from member states, including Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Timor-Leste, India, Thailand, and Myanmar, along with various partner organizations. Mr. Maulik Chokshi, Deputy Country Director (Technical) and Dr. Uma Aysola, Director (Global), Communications & Partner Engagement represented ACCESS Health at the workshop.
This event provided a platform for countries and partner organizations to present and discuss key areas of participatory research, with a strong focus on both urban and rural primary healthcare settings. The workshop facilitated the sharing of key findings, learnings, and outcomes, enabling participants to cross-learn and enhance their strategies in delivering quality integrated primary healthcare.
Key Insights and Learnings
Throughout the workshop, several crucial indicators emerged from the discussions, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities across the region:
- Quality of Health: Emphasis was placed on improving the quality of healthcare services and the well-being of healthcare staff, ensuring a holistic approach to strengthening health systems.
- Geographical and Political Factors: The impact of geographic locations, political will, and sustained fiscal support were identified as critical factors influencing the success of primary healthcare initiatives.
- Technology at the Last Mile: The use of technology in remote areas was highlighted as a significant enabler for delivering healthcare services, and bridging gaps in access and quality.
- Mentoring and Training: Strengthening community engagement through mentoring and training was recognized as essential for empowering local communities and enhancing healthcare delivery.
- Family Empowerment: The importance of empowering family members to take an active role in caring for their loved ones was underscored, highlighting a community-centered approach to health.
A Collaborative Platform
The workshop served as a vibrant platform where learning met culture, bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration among member states. It allowed participants to reflect on shared experiences, consolidate learnings, and explore areas for further cooperation and support.
ACCESS Health International serves on the WHO SEARO Advisory Committee to the Regional Forum for Primary Health Care-Oriented Health Systems. The forum was launched at the Regional Workshop to Strengthen Primary Health Care in the Southeast Asia Region in Bangkok, Thailand on November 28.