Access to Primary Health Care in the Asia-Pacific Region: Determinants, Impacts, and Strategic Interventions for Improved Equity Background
1
Public Health, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental component of universal health coverage (UHC), serving as the first point of contact within health systems. In the Asia-Pacific region (APR), access to PHC is influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, geographic, and policy factors. These determinants significantly affect health outcomes and the ability to achieve health equity across diverse populations. Understanding these factors is essential for designing effective health system responses that can address disparities and improve overall health status in the region.
METHODS:
Employing a structured scoping review methodology, a total of 68 articles focused on the APR were systematically analysed. The review was organised into four key domains: the contexts of PHC implementation and access, determinants affecting access, impacts of disparities or improvements in access, and strategies and interventions designed to enhance access. This approach facilitated a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the region, providing insights into effective policy and responses.
RESULTS:
The review reveals substantial disparities in PHC access across the APR, primarily driven by geographic barriers, socioeconomic inequalities, and fragmented health systems. Limited access to PHC services is associated with poorer health outcomes and exacerbates existing inequities. Conversely, innovative interventions such as community-led healthcare models, digital health technologies, and policy reforms demonstrate promising potential to address these challenges. These strategies can improve the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of PHC services, thereby contributing to more equitable health outcomes in the region.
CONCLUSIONS:
To enhance access to primary health care in the APR, it is crucial to adopt context-specific, equity-focused strategies. Emphasising integrated, sustainable approaches to health system strengthening can facilitate more equitable health outcomes and reduce disparities across diverse populations. Policymakers and health system stakeholders should prioritise innovative, adaptable solutions that address regional disparities and promote health equity.
Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental component of universal health coverage (UHC), serving as the first point of contact within health systems. In the Asia-Pacific region (APR), access to PHC is influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic, geographic, and policy factors. These determinants significantly affect health outcomes and the ability to achieve health equity across diverse populations. Understanding these factors is essential for designing effective health system responses that can address disparities and improve overall health status in the region.
METHODS:
Employing a structured scoping review methodology, a total of 68 articles focused on the APR were systematically analysed. The review was organised into four key domains: the contexts of PHC implementation and access, determinants affecting access, impacts of disparities or improvements in access, and strategies and interventions designed to enhance access. This approach facilitated a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the region, providing insights into effective policy and responses.
RESULTS:
The review reveals substantial disparities in PHC access across the APR, primarily driven by geographic barriers, socioeconomic inequalities, and fragmented health systems. Limited access to PHC services is associated with poorer health outcomes and exacerbates existing inequities. Conversely, innovative interventions such as community-led healthcare models, digital health technologies, and policy reforms demonstrate promising potential to address these challenges. These strategies can improve the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of PHC services, thereby contributing to more equitable health outcomes in the region.
CONCLUSIONS:
To enhance access to primary health care in the APR, it is crucial to adopt context-specific, equity-focused strategies. Emphasising integrated, sustainable approaches to health system strengthening can facilitate more equitable health outcomes and reduce disparities across diverse populations. Policymakers and health system stakeholders should prioritise innovative, adaptable solutions that address regional disparities and promote health equity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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