“Health for all” was the slogan to promote Primary Health Care (PHC) recommended by the World Health Organization in Alma Ata in 1978. However, old challenges remain and new epidemics such as HIV and AIDS or the emerging epidemic of non-communicable diseases threaten to reverse the small gains we have achieved. Therefore, recent years have seen a renewed interest in primary health care with the revolutionary principles formulated in the Alma Ata Declaration, e.g. equity, community participation and ownership, social justice, intersectoral action, and appropriate and affordable use of resources. As Christians, we are committed to supporting our partner organizations in their crucial role towards “revitalization” of the PHC concept. This will contribute to the strengthening of district health systems – from the community level, primary, secondary and provincial health institutions – and contribute to improved health outcomes.

Thus, strengthening health systems – from the community to the facility level – is central to our ministry. This includes assisting our partner organizations to mobilize communities to use their own assets and building their potentials in taking action for health-related issues.

At the same time, we focus on improving health services and quality of care, further qualifying medical personnel, and strengthening organizational development of partner organizations/institutions.  

Together with our local partners, we aim to improve the access to comprehensive, affordable and quality health services for poor and marginalized populations. This includes women and children living in poverty, people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, and people living in conflict and post-conflict situations. Therefore, our focus is on areas such as maternal and child health, HIV and AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other chronic and neglected diseases.