1st PHC Congress
Congress Theme
Aligning practice to evidence in strengthening PHC for lasting health change in Africa
This theme emphasized the urgent need to anchor health system reforms in solid scientific evidence, community voices, and innovative approaches that respond to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Congress Sub-Themes and Tracks
The First Primary Health Care (PHC) Congress marked a groundbreaking milestone in reimagining and realigning Primary Health Care systems across Africa. Held over three transformative days, the congress brought together health professionals, researchers, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to bridge the gap between evidence and practice in PHC delivery.
- Evidence-Based Community Approaches Innovative, inclusive models that ensure equitable access to PHC services through community leadership and locally adapted solutions.
- Social Determinants of Health Exploring how sectors like education, sanitation, housing, and income impact health—and how evidence-based interventions can create holistic change.
- Priority PHC Service Delivery Interventions Transformative interventions across RMNCAH, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and more—designed to reach the most vulnerable and underserved.
- Leveraging Emerging Global Issues Tapping into climate change, technological innovation, and global health security to future-proof PHC systems and increase resilience.
- Systems Strengthening Through Evidence Addressing core enablers of PHC transformation—leadership, management, health financing, entrepreneurship, and community accountability mechanisms.
Congress Highlights
A Journey Through Three Powerful Days
Day 1: Grounding in Evidence
The opening day laid a strong foundation, focusing on proven community-based models that expand equitable access to PHC services.
Key Moments:
High-impact keynotes from global health experts
Showcasing grassroots innovations in PHC delivery
Panel discussions on context-specific strategies for scaling up success
Day 2: Shaping the Future
Day two examined social determinants of health, the power of multisectoral interventions, and the role of technology and climate action in PHC transformation.
Key Moments:
Case studies on housing, nutrition, education, and environment as health drivers
Interactive workshops on leveraging tech and climate resilience in PHC
Real-world lessons from successful African community health initiatives
Day 3: Driving Systems Change
The final day zoomed in on health systems strengthening, leadership, financing, and accountability as key drivers of sustained PHC impact.
Key Moments:
Strategic dialogues on health entrepreneurship and innovation
Workshops on leadership development and social accountability
Closing session featuring commitments and policy recommendations
CO-CONVENORS
PARTNERS
