The report describes the state of the world’s health as it relates to primary health care provision and coverage. It takes into consideration the existing inequalities between nations and within national domestic settings in health care spending. Inequalities have reached disproportions to the level that some poor nations spend as little as $20USD a year per person, while some rich countries spend $6000USD. As most nations in the world are poor countries, a large proportion of the world’s population is not getting basic health care. Indicators such as high maternal, infant and under 5 mortality rates reflect the lack of basic health care and needs. This is further emphasised by the numbers that show that of the 138 million women in the world that will give birth, 58 million will not receive any form of medical assistance.
The WHO states that these problems are rooted in the current state of health systems and health development agendas around the world, which have become incohesive components. For instance, there has been an increased focus on curative care instead of health preventative measures, the basic principle of primary care. In developed countries treatment has been highly specialized while in contrast, while in contrast health care in developing countries has been disease specific. WHO estimates that a focus on preventative measures could cut the global disease burden to approximately 70%.
The 2008 Report discusses how states, civil society organisations and the private sector need to work together to address the health needs of communities and open dialogue for marginalised peoples to express their health concerns. The Report suggests that some level of primary health care should be available according to needs and regardless of a person’s ability to pay. It states that the current system of out-of pocket payments is the least fair and effective method in approaching health.
’’Primary Health Care: Now More than Ever’’ emphasises that there is room for action. States can act according to their capabilities, and their technological and scientific knowledge potential. Health is a matter that is not nationally limited, as nations rich and poor, share commonalities in the fight against disease and mortality.
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World Health Report 2008 Summary
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ull report
