Primary health care in disadvantaged communities in South Africa

The government of the Republic of South Africa has committed itself to the philosophy that it is only through primary health care that an affordable health service can be rendered to all inhabitants of South Africa. Currently this is taking place through a partnership between the state, the community and the private sector. The role of non-governmental organizations is, however, just as important in the upliftment of disadvantaged communities. Without active community participation in the whole process, no primary health care service can be successful. In order to meet the needs of disadvantaged communities, primary health care projects have been launched with the following objectives: To ensure community participation to render an effective primary health care service; to ensure participation safe and healthy environment with appropriate housing, sanitation, potable water, food and vector control; to coordinate, implement and evaluate projects and to report on their progress; and to ensure an effective referral system of patients from an initial primary point of contact to more specialized services.