In 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF convened the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. This landmark gathering rallied governments to provide equitable access to healthcare through a focus on community-based primary care and disease prevention.
It called for universal access to primary care services that are affordable, accessible, and community-driven. The Declaration emphasized health promotion, disease prevention, and community participation. It catalyzed the primary healthcare movement globally.
The Declaration’s principles remain relevant today as countries face new health challenges and seek to strengthen primary care. The WHO continues to advocate for revitalizing Alma-Ata’s vision of building integrated, prevention-focused primary care systems.
Preventative care is essential because it helps avoid diseases before they require complex treatment. By providing education, screening, and tools for self-care, prevention allows for earlier intervention, reduces complications, and relieves pressure on healthcare systems. Ultimately prevention and community-based primary care promote healthier societies overall.
In recent years, the UK government has also embraced preventative care in its health policies. For example, the 2021 white paper ‘Integration and innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all’ outlined plans to shift focus towards prevention services in the community. The aim is to detect issues earlier and support people to better manage their own health.
Myhealthkits embodies these principles by empowering people to proactively manage comorbidities at home. Our evidence-based kits equip individuals with simple, effective tools – from foot mirrors to files – to take charge of their health without solely relying on primary care.
This preventative, self-care approach aligns seamlessly with Alma-Ata’s emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. By enabling early intervention, Myhealthkits helps prevent complications, reduce burden on primary services, and work towards the goal of “Health for All.”
As we reaffirm Alma-Ata’s timeless vision, Myhealthkits shines as an innovator in equitable healthcare. We provide the tools for at-home disease management, aligning with Alma-Ata’s spirit while redefining 21st century healthcare.
Let us embrace this legacy of prevention and community care as we collaboratively build a healthier world.
