Term

Objectives • At the end of the session you should be able to: 1. Explain what PHC is. 2. List and explain the 8 elements of PHC. 3. List and explain 6 principles of PHC. What is PHC? • PHC is a whole-of-society approach to health that aims to bring essential health services, health promotion, disease prevention and health-supporting actions as close as possible to where people live, work, learn and worship. Has 3 components 1. Integrated health services with an emphasis on primary care and public health functions: promotive, protective, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care throughout the life course 2. Multisectoral policy and action: systematically addressing the broader determinants of health (including social, economic and environmental factors, as well as individual characteristics and behaviour) through evidence-informed policies and actions across all sectors; 3. Empowered people and communities: empowering individuals, families and communities to optimize their health, as advocates of policies that promote and protect health and well-being, as co developers of health and social services, and as self-carers and caregivers Eight (8) elements of PHC 1. E-Education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of identifying, preventing, and controlling them. 2. L– Locally endemic disease prevention and control. 3. E–An expanded program of immunization against major infectious diseases. 4. M–Maternal and child health care including family planning. 5. E– Essential drugs arrangement. 6. N–Nutritional food supplement, an adequate supply of safe and basic nutrition. 7. T– Treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health. 8. S– Safe water and sanitation. Extended Elements in the 21st Century: 1. Expended options of immunizations. 2. Reproductive health needs. 3. Provision of essential technologies for health. 4. Health promotion. 5. Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. 6. Food safety and the provision of selected food supplements. Six Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC): 1. Universal access to health care services for all people, regardless of income or social status; 2. Equitable distribution of health resources and services, so that everyone has an equal chance to enjoy good health; 3. A focus on preventive measures to keep people healthy, rather than simply treating them when they fall ill; Six Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) continued 4. A community-based approach to health care, with an emphasis on local solutions to local problems; 5. A recognition that good health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy 6. The involvement of people in their own health care, including decisions about treatment and service delivery

Definition

Objectives • At the end of the session you should be able to: 1. Explain what PHC is. 2. List and explain the 8 elements of PHC. 3. List and explain 6 principles of PHC. What is PHC? • PHC is a whole-of-society approach to health that aims to bring essential health services, health promotion, disease prevention and health-supporting actions as close as possible to where people live, work, learn and worship. Has 3 components 1. Integrated health services with an emphasis on primary care and public health functions: promotive, protective, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care throughout the life course 2. Multisectoral policy and action: systematically addressing the broader determinants of health (including social, economic and environmental factors, as well as individual characteristics and behaviour) through evidence-informed policies and actions across all sectors; 3. Empowered people and communities: empowering individuals, families and communities to optimize their health, as advocates of policies that promote and protect health and well-being, as co developers of health and social services, and as self-carers and caregivers Eight (8) elements of PHC 1. E-Education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of identifying, preventing, and controlling them. 2. L– Locally endemic disease prevention and control. 3. E–An expanded program of immunization against major infectious diseases. 4. M–Maternal and child health care including family planning. 5. E– Essential drugs arrangement. 6. N–Nutritional food supplement, an adequate supply of safe and basic nutrition. 7. T– Treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health. 8. S– Safe water and sanitation. Extended Elements in the 21st Century: 1. Expended options of immunizations. 2. Reproductive health needs. 3. Provision of essential technologies for health. 4. Health promotion. 5. Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. 6. Food safety and the provision of selected food supplements. Six Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC): 1. Universal access to health care services for all people, regardless of income or social status; 2. Equitable distribution of health resources and services, so that everyone has an equal chance to enjoy good health; 3. A focus on preventive measures to keep people healthy, rather than simply treating them when they fall ill; Six Principles of Primary Health Care (PHC) continued 4. A community-based approach to health care, with an emphasis on local solutions to local problems; 5. A recognition that good health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy 6. The involvement of people in their own health care, including decisions about treatment and service delivery

Term

The Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care From population health intelligence to prevention, protection, promotion and community action Solomon Islands focus Applying public health functions to communities, provinces and the national health system. Core message PHC connects primary care with essential public health functions, multisectoral action and empowered communities. Presented by Mr. Rudgard Palapu School of Public Health Faculty of Nursing, Medicine & Health Sciences Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 1 Learning outcomes At the end of the session the students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define Primary Health Care (PHC) and distinguish it from primary care. Explain why public health is a core component of PHC. Describe major public health functions that support PHC. Apply public health roles to Solomon Islands community and provincial settings. Identify how public health contributes to equity, prevention and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 2 What is Primary Health Care? WHO definition in practice PHC is a whole-of-society approach that brings health and wellbeing closer to people's everyday environments. Three inter-related components 1) Integrated primary care + essential public health functions 2) Multisectoral policies and action 3) Empowered people and communities • PHC covers health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. • PHC addresses wider determinants such as water, sanitation, food, housing, education and environment. • PHC aims for equity: people should receive services according to need, not simply geography or ability to pay. Source: WHO, Primary health care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 3 Primary Care vs Primary Health Care PRIMARY CARE First-contact, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals and families. Where public health fits communities, promote wellbeing and reduce inequities. PRIMARY HEALTH CARE A broader whole-of-society approach combining primary care, essential public health functions, multisectoral action and community empowerment. Public health provides the population-level intelligence and action that helps PHC prevent illness, protect Source: WHO, Primary health care; Primary care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 4 Why is Public Health important to PHC? • PHC is not only about treating people after they become sick. • Public health shifts attention upstream—to risks, causes, environments, populations and prevention. • Public health identifies community health needs and priorities using data and epidemiological evidence. • It helps primary care services respond to population needs rather than operating in isolation. • Strong public health capacity improves preparedness, health security, equity and resilience. Key idea Primary care focuses strongly on people who seek care; public health also asks: Who is getting sick, why, who is being missed, and what can we change at population level? Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 5 Major public health roles within PHC 1. Health surveillance Monitor diseases, risk factors, deaths, outbreaks and service use. 3. Health promotion Build health literacy, healthy behaviours and supportive environments. 5. Community engagement Mobilise communities and strengthen participation in health decisions. 2. Disease prevention Vaccination, screening, early detection and prevention programmes. 4. Health protection Food safety, water safety, environmental and occupational health. 6. Emergency preparedness Detect threats, prepare response systems and maintain essential services. Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 6 1. Population health assessment & surveillance • Collect, analyse and interpret information about the health of populations. • Identify priority diseases, risk factors, vulnerable groups and geographical inequities. • Detect outbreaks and unusual health events early. • Use routine health information, community reports, surveys and research to guide decisions. • Feed findings back to health facilities, provincial teams, communities and policymakers. Solomon Islands example A provincial public health team can use surveillance data to identify malaria hotspots, low immunisation coverage or increasing NCD risk and then target outreach and prevention activities. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 7 2. Disease prevention & health promotion Disease prevention Prevent disease before it occurs; detect it early; reduce complications and transmission. Health promotion Enable people and communities to increase control over the factors that influence health. • Immunisation and communicable disease prevention • Maternal, newborn and child health promotion • NCD risk reduction: tobacco, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol use • Nutrition education and food security initiatives • School, workplace, church and community health promotion • Screening and early detection where appropriate Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 8 3. Health protection & environmental health • Protect communities from environmental, food, water, occupational and other health hazards. • Support safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). • Promote food safety and investigate foodborne disease events. • Support vector control and communicable disease control. • Assess health risks associated with disasters, climate change and environmental change. • Work with other sectors because many health risks cannot be controlled by the health sector alone. PHC principle Healthy communities require healthy environments—not only clinical services. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 9 4. Community participation and empowerment • Engage communities in identifying health problems and setting priorities. • Use local knowledge, culture and community structures when designing interventions. • Support self-care, health literacy and community capacity. • Work with churches, schools, women's groups, youth groups, chiefs, NGOs and other local organisations. • Use participatory approaches rather than designing programmes entirely from the top down. Solomon Islands application Community-based approaches are particularly important where communities are geographically dispersed and access to facilities is difficult. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 10 5. Multisectoral action: public health cannot work alone Health Services, surveillance, prevention Education Health literacy, schools, adolescent health Agriculture Food systems, nutrition, food security Water & sanitation Safe water, sanitation, hygiene Environment Climate, waste, vectors, hazards Public Health role Local government & communities Planning, participation, local action Coordinate evidence, advocate for healthy policies, assess health impacts and keep equity at the centre of decision-making. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 11 6. Equity and Universal Health Coverage • Identify groups that experience barriers to health services. • Map service coverage and unmet health needs. • Advocate for resources to underserved communities and provinces. • Promote culturally appropriate and accessible services. • Monitor whether health programmes are reaching those who need them most. • Use evidence to reduce avoidable differences in health outcomes. Solomon Islands policy connection The National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031 aims for equitable access to quality preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotional health services irrespective of where people live. Source: Solomon Islands NHSP 2022–2031; WHO CPCD. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 12 7. Public health preparedness and emergency response • Maintain disease surveillance and early warning systems. • Prepare communities and health workers for outbreaks, disasters and other emergencies. • Develop response plans, communication systems and referral pathways. • Support risk communication and community engagement during emergencies. • Protect essential health services and vulnerable populations during crises. • Learn from incidents through debriefing, evaluation and improvement. Solomon Islands relevance Island geography, extreme weather, outbreaks and transport challenges make preparedness, surveillance and continuity of primary health services especially important. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 13 Public Health and PHC: a practical community cycle 1. Assess Collect data and listen to the community 2. Prioritise Identify the most important problems and inequities 3. Plan Select evidence based and culturally appropriate actions 4. Act Implement prevention, promotion, protection and services 5. Monitor Track coverage, quality and outcomes Outcome 6. Improve Use findings to adapt and strengthen PHC Better population health + stronger communities + more equitable access + a more resilient health system Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 14 Solomon Islands application: example Problem A rural community has increasing hypertension and diabetes, low physical activity and limited access to screening. Public health assessment Review available data, identify risk factors, map underserved groups and consult community leaders. Multisectoral action Health + agriculture + education + churches + local leaders + community groups work together. PHC response Community screening + health education + healthy food initiatives + physical activity groups + referral and follow-up. Evaluation Measure screening coverage, referral completion, BP/glucose control, behaviour change and community participation. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 15 Key messages for Public Health students • Public health is a core component of a strong PHC-oriented health system. • The public health lens is population-based: it asks who is affected, why, where and what can be done upstream. • Surveillance, prevention, health promotion, health protection and emergency preparedness strengthen PHC. • Community participation and multisectoral collaboration are essential. • Equity should guide planning, resource allocation, service delivery and evaluation. • In Solomon Islands, public health must respond to geography, culture, climate, communicable diseases, NCDs and social determinants of health.

Definition

The Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care From population health intelligence to prevention, protection, promotion and community action Solomon Islands focus Applying public health functions to communities, provinces and the national health system. Core message PHC connects primary care with essential public health functions, multisectoral action and empowered communities. Presented by Mr. Rudgard Palapu School of Public Health Faculty of Nursing, Medicine & Health Sciences Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 1 Learning outcomes At the end of the session the students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define Primary Health Care (PHC) and distinguish it from primary care. Explain why public health is a core component of PHC. Describe major public health functions that support PHC. Apply public health roles to Solomon Islands community and provincial settings. Identify how public health contributes to equity, prevention and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 2 What is Primary Health Care? WHO definition in practice PHC is a whole-of-society approach that brings health and wellbeing closer to people's everyday environments. Three inter-related components 1) Integrated primary care + essential public health functions 2) Multisectoral policies and action 3) Empowered people and communities • PHC covers health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. • PHC addresses wider determinants such as water, sanitation, food, housing, education and environment. • PHC aims for equity: people should receive services according to need, not simply geography or ability to pay. Source: WHO, Primary health care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 3 Primary Care vs Primary Health Care PRIMARY CARE First-contact, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals and families. Where public health fits communities, promote wellbeing and reduce inequities. PRIMARY HEALTH CARE A broader whole-of-society approach combining primary care, essential public health functions, multisectoral action and community empowerment. Public health provides the population-level intelligence and action that helps PHC prevent illness, protect Source: WHO, Primary health care; Primary care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 4 Why is Public Health important to PHC? • PHC is not only about treating people after they become sick. • Public health shifts attention upstream—to risks, causes, environments, populations and prevention. • Public health identifies community health needs and priorities using data and epidemiological evidence. • It helps primary care services respond to population needs rather than operating in isolation. • Strong public health capacity improves preparedness, health security, equity and resilience. Key idea Primary care focuses strongly on people who seek care; public health also asks: Who is getting sick, why, who is being missed, and what can we change at population level? Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 5 Major public health roles within PHC 1. Health surveillance Monitor diseases, risk factors, deaths, outbreaks and service use. 3. Health promotion Build health literacy, healthy behaviours and supportive environments. 5. Community engagement Mobilise communities and strengthen participation in health decisions. 2. Disease prevention Vaccination, screening, early detection and prevention programmes. 4. Health protection Food safety, water safety, environmental and occupational health. 6. Emergency preparedness Detect threats, prepare response systems and maintain essential services. Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 6 1. Population health assessment & surveillance • Collect, analyse and interpret information about the health of populations. • Identify priority diseases, risk factors, vulnerable groups and geographical inequities. • Detect outbreaks and unusual health events early. • Use routine health information, community reports, surveys and research to guide decisions. • Feed findings back to health facilities, provincial teams, communities and policymakers. Solomon Islands example A provincial public health team can use surveillance data to identify malaria hotspots, low immunisation coverage or increasing NCD risk and then target outreach and prevention activities. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 7 2. Disease prevention & health promotion Disease prevention Prevent disease before it occurs; detect it early; reduce complications and transmission. Health promotion Enable people and communities to increase control over the factors that influence health. • Immunisation and communicable disease prevention • Maternal, newborn and child health promotion • NCD risk reduction: tobacco, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol use • Nutrition education and food security initiatives • School, workplace, church and community health promotion • Screening and early detection where appropriate Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 8 3. Health protection & environmental health • Protect communities from environmental, food, water, occupational and other health hazards. • Support safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). • Promote food safety and investigate foodborne disease events. • Support vector control and communicable disease control. • Assess health risks associated with disasters, climate change and environmental change. • Work with other sectors because many health risks cannot be controlled by the health sector alone. PHC principle Healthy communities require healthy environments—not only clinical services. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 9 4. Community participation and empowerment • Engage communities in identifying health problems and setting priorities. • Use local knowledge, culture and community structures when designing interventions. • Support self-care, health literacy and community capacity. • Work with churches, schools, women's groups, youth groups, chiefs, NGOs and other local organisations. • Use participatory approaches rather than designing programmes entirely from the top down. Solomon Islands application Community-based approaches are particularly important where communities are geographically dispersed and access to facilities is difficult. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 10 5. Multisectoral action: public health cannot work alone Health Services, surveillance, prevention Education Health literacy, schools, adolescent health Agriculture Food systems, nutrition, food security Water & sanitation Safe water, sanitation, hygiene Environment Climate, waste, vectors, hazards Public Health role Local government & communities Planning, participation, local action Coordinate evidence, advocate for healthy policies, assess health impacts and keep equity at the centre of decision-making. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 11 6. Equity and Universal Health Coverage • Identify groups that experience barriers to health services. • Map service coverage and unmet health needs. • Advocate for resources to underserved communities and provinces. • Promote culturally appropriate and accessible services. • Monitor whether health programmes are reaching those who need them most. • Use evidence to reduce avoidable differences in health outcomes. Solomon Islands policy connection The National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031 aims for equitable access to quality preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotional health services irrespective of where people live. Source: Solomon Islands NHSP 2022–2031; WHO CPCD. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 12 7. Public health preparedness and emergency response • Maintain disease surveillance and early warning systems. • Prepare communities and health workers for outbreaks, disasters and other emergencies. • Develop response plans, communication systems and referral pathways. • Support risk communication and community engagement during emergencies. • Protect essential health services and vulnerable populations during crises. • Learn from incidents through debriefing, evaluation and improvement. Solomon Islands relevance Island geography, extreme weather, outbreaks and transport challenges make preparedness, surveillance and continuity of primary health services especially important. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 13 Public Health and PHC: a practical community cycle 1. Assess Collect data and listen to the community 2. Prioritise Identify the most important problems and inequities 3. Plan Select evidence based and culturally appropriate actions 4. Act Implement prevention, promotion, protection and services 5. Monitor Track coverage, quality and outcomes Outcome 6. Improve Use findings to adapt and strengthen PHC Better population health + stronger communities + more equitable access + a more resilient health system Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 14 Solomon Islands application: example Problem A rural community has increasing hypertension and diabetes, low physical activity and limited access to screening. Public health assessment Review available data, identify risk factors, map underserved groups and consult community leaders. Multisectoral action Health + agriculture + education + churches + local leaders + community groups work together. PHC response Community screening + health education + healthy food initiatives + physical activity groups + referral and follow-up. Evaluation Measure screening coverage, referral completion, BP/glucose control, behaviour change and community participation. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 15 Key messages for Public Health students • Public health is a core component of a strong PHC-oriented health system. • The public health lens is population-based: it asks who is affected, why, where and what can be done upstream. • Surveillance, prevention, health promotion, health protection and emergency preparedness strengthen PHC. • Community participation and multisectoral collaboration are essential. • Equity should guide planning, resource allocation, service delivery and evaluation. • In Solomon Islands, public health must respond to geography, culture, climate, communicable diseases, NCDs and social determinants of health.

Term

The Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care From population health intelligence to prevention, protection, promotion and community action Solomon Islands focus Applying public health functions to communities, provinces and the national health system. Core message PHC connects primary care with essential public health functions, multisectoral action and empowered communities. Presented by Mr. Rudgard Palapu School of Public Health Faculty of Nursing, Medicine & Health Sciences Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 1 Learning outcomes At the end of the session the students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define Primary Health Care (PHC) and distinguish it from primary care. Explain why public health is a core component of PHC. Describe major public health functions that support PHC. Apply public health roles to Solomon Islands community and provincial settings. Identify how public health contributes to equity, prevention and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 2 What is Primary Health Care? WHO definition in practice PHC is a whole-of-society approach that brings health and wellbeing closer to people's everyday environments. Three inter-related components 1) Integrated primary care + essential public health functions 2) Multisectoral policies and action 3) Empowered people and communities • PHC covers health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. • PHC addresses wider determinants such as water, sanitation, food, housing, education and environment. • PHC aims for equity: people should receive services according to need, not simply geography or ability to pay. Source: WHO, Primary health care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 3 Primary Care vs Primary Health Care PRIMARY CARE First-contact, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals and families. Where public health fits communities, promote wellbeing and reduce inequities. PRIMARY HEALTH CARE A broader whole-of-society approach combining primary care, essential public health functions, multisectoral action and community empowerment. Public health provides the population-level intelligence and action that helps PHC prevent illness, protect Source: WHO, Primary health care; Primary care (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 4 Why is Public Health important to PHC? • PHC is not only about treating people after they become sick. • Public health shifts attention upstream—to risks, causes, environments, populations and prevention. • Public health identifies community health needs and priorities using data and epidemiological evidence. • It helps primary care services respond to population needs rather than operating in isolation. • Strong public health capacity improves preparedness, health security, equity and resilience. Key idea Primary care focuses strongly on people who seek care; public health also asks: Who is getting sick, why, who is being missed, and what can we change at population level? Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 5 Major public health roles within PHC 1. Health surveillance Monitor diseases, risk factors, deaths, outbreaks and service use. 3. Health promotion Build health literacy, healthy behaviours and supportive environments. 5. Community engagement Mobilise communities and strengthen participation in health decisions. 2. Disease prevention Vaccination, screening, early detection and prevention programmes. 4. Health protection Food safety, water safety, environmental and occupational health. 6. Emergency preparedness Detect threats, prepare response systems and maintain essential services. Source: WHO, Essential public health functions (2025). Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 6 1. Population health assessment & surveillance • Collect, analyse and interpret information about the health of populations. • Identify priority diseases, risk factors, vulnerable groups and geographical inequities. • Detect outbreaks and unusual health events early. • Use routine health information, community reports, surveys and research to guide decisions. • Feed findings back to health facilities, provincial teams, communities and policymakers. Solomon Islands example A provincial public health team can use surveillance data to identify malaria hotspots, low immunisation coverage or increasing NCD risk and then target outreach and prevention activities. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 7 2. Disease prevention & health promotion Disease prevention Prevent disease before it occurs; detect it early; reduce complications and transmission. Health promotion Enable people and communities to increase control over the factors that influence health. • Immunisation and communicable disease prevention • Maternal, newborn and child health promotion • NCD risk reduction: tobacco, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol use • Nutrition education and food security initiatives • School, workplace, church and community health promotion • Screening and early detection where appropriate Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 8 3. Health protection & environmental health • Protect communities from environmental, food, water, occupational and other health hazards. • Support safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). • Promote food safety and investigate foodborne disease events. • Support vector control and communicable disease control. • Assess health risks associated with disasters, climate change and environmental change. • Work with other sectors because many health risks cannot be controlled by the health sector alone. PHC principle Healthy communities require healthy environments—not only clinical services. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 9 4. Community participation and empowerment • Engage communities in identifying health problems and setting priorities. • Use local knowledge, culture and community structures when designing interventions. • Support self-care, health literacy and community capacity. • Work with churches, schools, women's groups, youth groups, chiefs, NGOs and other local organisations. • Use participatory approaches rather than designing programmes entirely from the top down. Solomon Islands application Community-based approaches are particularly important where communities are geographically dispersed and access to facilities is difficult. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 10 5. Multisectoral action: public health cannot work alone Health Services, surveillance, prevention Education Health literacy, schools, adolescent health Agriculture Food systems, nutrition, food security Water & sanitation Safe water, sanitation, hygiene Environment Climate, waste, vectors, hazards Public Health role Local government & communities Planning, participation, local action Coordinate evidence, advocate for healthy policies, assess health impacts and keep equity at the centre of decision-making. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 11 6. Equity and Universal Health Coverage • Identify groups that experience barriers to health services. • Map service coverage and unmet health needs. • Advocate for resources to underserved communities and provinces. • Promote culturally appropriate and accessible services. • Monitor whether health programmes are reaching those who need them most. • Use evidence to reduce avoidable differences in health outcomes. Solomon Islands policy connection The National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031 aims for equitable access to quality preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotional health services irrespective of where people live. Source: Solomon Islands NHSP 2022–2031; WHO CPCD. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 12 7. Public health preparedness and emergency response • Maintain disease surveillance and early warning systems. • Prepare communities and health workers for outbreaks, disasters and other emergencies. • Develop response plans, communication systems and referral pathways. • Support risk communication and community engagement during emergencies. • Protect essential health services and vulnerable populations during crises. • Learn from incidents through debriefing, evaluation and improvement. Solomon Islands relevance Island geography, extreme weather, outbreaks and transport challenges make preparedness, surveillance and continuity of primary health services especially important. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 13 Public Health and PHC: a practical community cycle 1. Assess Collect data and listen to the community 2. Prioritise Identify the most important problems and inequities 3. Plan Select evidence based and culturally appropriate actions 4. Act Implement prevention, promotion, protection and services 5. Monitor Track coverage, quality and outcomes Outcome 6. Improve Use findings to adapt and strengthen PHC Better population health + stronger communities + more equitable access + a more resilient health system Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 14 Solomon Islands application: example Problem A rural community has increasing hypertension and diabetes, low physical activity and limited access to screening. Public health assessment Review available data, identify risk factors, map underserved groups and consult community leaders. Multisectoral action Health + agriculture + education + churches + local leaders + community groups work together. PHC response Community screening + health education + healthy food initiatives + physical activity groups + referral and follow-up. Evaluation Measure screening coverage, referral completion, BP/glucose control, behaviour change and community participation. Role of Public Health in Primary Health Care | 15 Key messages for Public Health students • Public health is a core component of a strong PHC-oriented health system. • The public health lens is population-based: it asks who is affected, why, where and what can be done upstream. • Surveillance, prevention, health promotion, health protection and emergency preparedness strengthen PHC. • Community participation and multisectoral collaboration are essential. • Equity should guide planning, resource allocation, service delivery and evaluation. • In Solomon Islands, public health must respond to geography, culture, climate, communicable diseases, NCDs and social determinants of health.

Definition

Activity 1: 1. Define primary health care: 2. List the 8 elements of PHC: 3. State the 3 components of PHC: 4. Integrated health services with emphases on PHC and public health function in component one. State the six functions: 5. List the six principles of PHC. 6. Define health promotion: 7. In your own words list and explain the three strategies for health promotion 8. In your own words, list and explain the five action areas for health promotion. 9. List the social determinants of health. 10. Define what PHC policies are, using the note given. 11. List and describe the four types of health policies. 12. Identify the factors that influencing the development of policies that affect the health of the population using the notes given. 13. Define PHC and distinguish it from primary care: 14. In own words describe major public health functions that support PHC: 15. In own words explain the roles and responsibilities of health workers at community and primary care level: use your notes. 16. In your own words describe teamwork, referral, community participation and health promotion in PHC: