A rapid mixed-methods assessment of Libya's primary care system

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Decades of conflict in Libya have severely disrupted health services.
• The Government of National Unity aims to rebuild a resilient health system focused on primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a rapid assessment of Libya's current primary health care system.
• To identify key areas for improvement in health service delivery.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory-sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
• Utilized the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework, policy document review, and secondary data analysis.
• Conducted targeted policymaker interviews analyzed using deductive framework analysis.

Main Results:

• Libya demonstrates strong policy commitments and high access to primary care services.
• A significant portion of facilities are non-operational, with staffing imbalances and variable care quality.
• Structural challenges in financing, logistics, and standards impede consistent service provision.

Conclusions:

• Recommendations include consolidating leadership and clarifying governance for primary care reform.
• Focusing on national standards for human resources, facilities, and clinical care is crucial.
• Addressing structural challenges is essential for improving primary health care resilience.