According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Declaration adopted in 1978, eight essential components of primary health care are defined. The aim is to make this basic health care available to all people worldwide.

The eight components of primary health care

Enlightenment and education

This is arguably one of the most important components of health care. By educating and informing the public about prevention and control of health problems, the general spread of disease is limited.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition inevitably leads to disease. That is why the WHO seeks to prevent malnutrition and famine.

Clean water and hygiene

Diseases spread quickly through contaminated water. Therefore, clean water should be available to people and basic hygiene should be practised regarding waste and sewage.

Maternity and Child Welfare

Pregnant women and mothers and their offspring should be protected to ensure the health of the growing generation. This also includes family counselling and contraception.

Vaccination

Global vaccination can eliminate infectious diseases and increase global health immensely.

Local disease control

Many diseases occur only or mainly in certain regions or differ depending on the location. Therefore, there must be regional disease control to reduce the spread and mutation of diseases to a large extent.

Availability of treatment

Another important part of primary health care is to provide fast medical treatment to all people. Treating illnesses and injuries immediately prevents later, more costly complications and ensures a better chance of recovery.

Drug supply

Providing essential medicines such as antibiotics will prevent the escalation of an infection and make the community safer and more secure.