Achieving Universal Access to Health Care in Africa: The Role of Primary Health Care

Abstract

Following the expiration of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that were used as frameworks for shaping progress in development between 2000 and 2015, seventeen new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by governments at the UN General Assembly in September, 2015. SDG3 focuses on health i.e. to Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This goal is translated into 13 targets: three focus on reproductive and child health; three concern communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and addiction; two focus on environmental health; one relates to achieving universal health coverage (UHC); while four targets relate to tobacco control, vaccines and medicines, health financing and workforce, and global health risk preparedness. This brief commentary examines how universal health coverage (UHC) in African countries can be achieved through the strengthening of the primary health care system.