Emphasizing the critical role primary healthcare (PHC) played during the COVID-19 pandemic, Regional Director Saima Wazed highlighted at the ADB Inspire Conference in Manila that PHC not only lays the foundation for universal health coverage (UHC) but also ensures resilient healthcare systems. She urged governments and health organizations to prioritize future investments in strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, enhancing last-mile service delivery capabilities, and promoting community-based care.
Speaking at the plenary session titled “How Pandemic Response Drives UHC,” Wazed reflected upon key lessons from the pandemic, noting that robust primary healthcare systems have proven essential in maintaining effective and adaptable health services during global health crises. The session brought together health leaders, policy makers, and international institutions, underscoring the need for a shift toward building resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.
Wazed emphasized that investing in infrastructure and enhancing service delivery at the primary level play critical roles in managing public health emergencies effectively. She stressed that community-based care, in particular, strengthens trust and responsiveness, helping communities swiftly address evolving public health challenges.
Moving forward, she called upon health authorities and funding agencies to reshape their strategic priorities by placing primary healthcare at the forefront of plans aimed at preparing for future threats. Aligning investments toward community-level initiatives and improving local healthcare delivery mechanisms will be instrumental in attaining not just universal health coverage, but also durable resilience against future pandemics and health crises.
