Selective intervention in primary health care: planning and practical implications in Nigeria

The global goal of Health-For-All is an ideal: yet, its planning and implementation could be enhanced through the application of the concept of selective primary health care. The strategy advocates the selection of certain priority components of primary health care (PHC) as entry-points. This would match with the sub-objectives of removing technological, economic and developmental constraints. A model which illustrates the three levels of prevention--primary, secondary, and tertiary, is offered. The application of the model to Primary Health Care, coupled with practical examples in the field, and their relevance to health development in Nigeria, are examined.