10 June 2018 – While continuing dialogue on effective implementation of DFID-funded PHC project, WHO and Ministry of Health of Libya agreed on the implementation framework and mechanisms on enhancing actions for capacity building of health service providers and district management to improve access of population to quality primary health care services.  

The meeting was held on 5 June 2018 under the auspices of the WHO project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) “Improving access to primary health care services in Libya”.

Opening the meeting with Ministry of Health representatives and directors of 6 primary health centres from the southern, eastern and western regions, which were pre-selected under the project to be developed as models of excellence, WHO representative, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain said, “Evidence has shown better health indicators is a result of strong primary health care system at the core of any national health system”. 

Dr Ghassan Kareem, Primary Health Care Director, Ministry of Health, expressed hope that the 6 centres of excellence could be used as a model to overcome the current challenges Libya is facing at the primary level of health care that include inadequate pre-and post-graduate training for family practice, lack comprehensive or discontinuity of services, shortage of medicines and supplies, and poor medical records and reporting system.

Recommendations of the latest Libyan Audit Bureau report (May 2018) for the health sector coincide with the aims and objectives of the project – to reduce the overall disease burden and mortality through improving access to quality health care services.