Leadership, Innovation and Community Solutions Take Centre Stage on Day Two of the Primary Health Care Congress
The second day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and frontline health practitioners to examine how leadership, innovation, and community-led approaches can strengthen Primary Health Care systems across Africa. Building on the momentum from the opening day, discussions on Day Two focused on practical solutions that countries are implementing to improve the resilience, financing, and delivery of Primary Health Care services. Across plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and partner-led conversations, speakers emphasized that sustainable health systems must combine strong leadership, effective financing mechanisms, empowered health workers, and community-driven interventions. Strengthening Leadership, Governance and Financing of Primary Health Care A central theme throughout the day was the importance of strong leadership and governance in driving Primary Health Care reforms. Speakers highlighted ongoing reforms in health financing systems designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to services. Country experiences shared during the sessions demonstrated how governments are redesigning financing models to ensure that resources reach frontline health facilities where communities receive care. Discussions also emphasized the importance of legislative frameworks that anchor health system reforms, ensuring predictability of funding, accountability of institutions, and sustainability of health programs. Participants underscored that effective governance must go beyond policy frameworks to include citizen accountability mechanisms and stronger oversight at community and facility levels. Digital Transformation Supporting the PHC Workforce Another major focus of Day Two was the role of digital technologies in strengthening the Primary Health Care workforce. Across Africa, health systems are increasingly transitioning from fragmented and paper-based data systems toward unified digital platforms that allow real-time reporting, improved patient tracking, and stronger decision making. Digital tools are also supporting the training and continuous professional development of community health workers and frontline staff through e-learning platforms and mobile applications. These innovations are helping address workforce gaps while enabling health workers to deliver services more efficiently. Participants noted that for digital health innovations to succeed, they must be designed around the needs of frontline workers and supported by reliable infrastructure, connectivity, and strong governance frameworks. Community-Based Interventions Driving Impact Sessions throughout the day reinforced the importance of community-based approaches in delivering effective Primary Health Care. Evidence presented during research and abstract sessions highlighted how integrated PHC interventions, including water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, can significantly improve health outcomes in communities affected by infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases. Community-led models are also helping strengthen referral pathways and improve the uptake of essential health services such as maternal and child health care.In several settings, simple innovations such as community health information points have helped bridge access gaps by bringing information and services closer to communities. Protecting Breastfeeding as a Core PHC Intervention Another key discussion focused on protecting breastfeeding environments as a fundamental component of Primary Health Care. Experts highlighted the importance of strengthening policies and health worker capacity to protect breastfeeding from growing commercial influences, particularly aggressive marketing of infant formula products. The session also marked the launch of the Nourished Truth Operational Toolkit, a practical resource designed to support governments and health systems in strengthening breastfeeding protection policies and implementation. Participants emphasized that breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective health interventions, contributing to improved child survival, maternal health outcomes, and reductions in malnutrition. Technology, Community Systems and Policy Leadership Across all sessions, a consistent message emerged: resilient Primary Health Care systems require coordinated action across leadership, technology, and community systems. From financing reforms and digital health tools to community-led innovations and evidence-based policy approaches, participants shared experiences that demonstrate how countries can strengthen PHC delivery even in resource-constrained settings.As the congress continues, these discussions are expected to inform new partnerships, policy reforms, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care systems and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage across Africa. smm panel
Strengthening Primary Health Care Takes Centre Stage in Nairobi
Leaders from government, academia, development partners, and the health sector gathered in Nairobi for the opening day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress, reaffirming the central role of Primary Health Care in delivering Universal Health Coverage across Africa. The Congress has brought together policymakers, health practitioners, researchers, and development partners to reflect on the progress made in strengthening Primary Health Care systems while identifying practical steps needed to accelerate impact across the continent. Discussions throughout the day emphasized that strong community-based health systems remain the most effective way to improve health outcomes, detect health threats early, and ensure equitable access to care. Opening remarks highlighted the importance of sustained leadership and investment in Primary Health Care as the backbone of resilient health systems. Participants acknowledged the growing recognition that health systems must place greater emphasis on prevention, community engagement, and early intervention if countries are to reduce the burden of disease and protect households from catastrophic health costs. Kenya’s recent health sector reforms were cited as an important example of policy commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care. The introduction of the Primary Health Care Act, the Digital Health Act, the Facility Improvement Financing Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act signals a renewed effort to strengthen health governance, improve service delivery, and expand access to essential health services. Speakers also highlighted the critical role of community health systems in extending services to the household level. Community Health Promoters were recognized as an essential link between health facilities and communities, particularly in areas where access to services remains limited. Strengthening this frontline workforce was widely seen as central to building more responsive and resilient health systems. Financing for Primary Health Care also featured prominently in the day’s discussions. Participants called for stronger domestic investment in health systems alongside sustainable financing approaches that ensure resources reach frontline facilities and communities where they are most needed. The role of universities and research institutions in strengthening Primary Health Care was also emphasized. Academic institutions were encouraged to continue generating evidence, supporting workforce development, and contributing to policies that respond to the evolving health needs of communities. Throughout the opening sessions there was broad agreement that stronger collaboration between governments, academia, development partners, and communities will be essential to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage. The 2nd Primary Health Care Congress continues through 6 March 2026 and will feature further discussions on leadership, governance, financing, innovation, and workforce development for stronger Primary Health Care systems across Africa. smm panel
PRESS RELEASE
African Health Leaders Call for Urgent Investment in Primary Health Care to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage. Nairobi, Kenya | 4 March 2026 Health leaders, policymakers, academics, and development partners gathered in Nairobi today for the opening day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress, calling for stronger investment in Primary Health Care systems as the most effective pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage across Africa. The Congress has convened regional and global stakeholders to examine how stronger community-based health systems can improve health outcomes, strengthen health security, and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on households. Discussions during the opening sessions highlighted the urgent need to prioritize Primary Health Care as the foundation of resilient health systems. Participants emphasized that effective PHC systems strengthen prevention, enable early disease detection, and expand access to essential health services for underserved communities. Speakers also noted the progress made through recent health sector reforms in Kenya, including the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, Facility Improvement Financing Act, and Social Health Insurance Act. These reforms were recognized as important steps toward strengthening health systems and expanding access to quality health services. “Primary Health Care is the foundation of equitable health systems. If we are to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Africa, we must invest in strong community-based health systems that prevent disease and bring care closer to the people,” said Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO Amref Health Africa. Throughout the discussions, speakers emphasized the critical role of community health systems in delivering preventive services and supporting disease surveillance. Community Health Promoters were identified as essential in extending health services to households and ensuring early detection of health threats. Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between governments, universities, and development partners to generate evidence and train the health workforce needed to support effective PHC systems. “Universities must play a central role in strengthening Primary Health Care systems by generating evidence, training the health workforce, and shaping policies that respond to the real health needs of communities,” said Prof. Joachim Osur, VC, Amref International University Financing also emerged as a key issue during the opening sessions. Delegates called for stronger domestic investment in health systems and sustainable financing models that ensure resources reach frontline facilities and communities where services are delivered. Participants further emphasized the need for inclusive health systems that ensure vulnerable populations, including refugees and underserved communities, have equitable access to essential health services through Primary Health Care. The 2nd Primary Health Care Congress continues through 6 March 2026 and will feature discussions on leadership, governance, innovation, workforce development, and financing strategies aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care systems across Africa. For media inquiries: Angie Gichimu Email: amiucommunications@amref.ac.ke