Extension of health service coverage using primary care and community participation strategies

PAHO's Directing Council recently requested a special Health Ministers' meeting to examine the subject of extended health coverage and to look into adjustments needed to achieve goals established in this field with all possible speed. The present document, which was prepared for that meeting, outlines the basic concepts involved in extending health coverage through adapted and expanded primary care and community participation. Its principal purpose is to serve as a reference source for subsequent analyses that PAHO's member countries will wish to carry out.