The Department of Health will this week (15 -16 November) convene the South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) Conference in East London, Eastern Cape to reflect on and review the country’s journey towards the ideals of Primary Health Care (PHC) over the last 30 years of democracy, and also discuss the pivotal role of the PHC in achieving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa by 2030.
Primary Health Care is the most inclusive, equitable, cost-effective and efficient approach accessible to most individuals and families in the community to enhance their physical and mental health, as well as social well-being, hence almost 86% of the population depends on PHC in South Africa.
The two-day conference will be attended by almost 350 delegates representing all nine provinces, stakeholders in the sectors, and the representatives from local and international organisations including the World Health Organization.
The conference will be held under the theme: “Towards Universal Health Coverage, Strengthening Primary Health Care: A whole of Government, whole of Society approach” which emphasises the significant role of strong primary health care for South Africa’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage through National Health Insurance.
The delegates will also draw lessons from international experiences (such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cuba and Mauritius) in the implementation of the Primary Health Care approach and delivery of services, particularly from countries in the global South with socio-economic conditions that are comparable to South Africa.
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla will deliver a keynote address, and there will also be contributions by the Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Provincial MECs for Health, and Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the Director for World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.
Primary Health Care plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which relates to health to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people at all ages
Members of the media are invited to attend the conference as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 15 to Thursday, 16 November 2023
Time: 9h00 – 17h00
Venue: East London International Convention Centre, No 2 Marine Park Complex, 22 Esplanade St, East London, Eastern Cape Province
Please RSVP with Mr Tlou Tlhako at Tlou.Tlhako@health.gov.za or 071382 7425
Media enquiries:
Foster Mohale
Cell: 072 432 3792
E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Doctor Tshwale
Cell: 063 657 8487
E-mail: Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za
