PHC services are the backbone of health care in all countries. In late December 2017, WHO launched a two-year pilot project introducing a standard family practice model comprising 13 core elements3 into six PHC centres in east, west and south Libya. The project ended in late 2019; based on the lessons learned from this experience,
and subject to the availability of funds, WHO plans to introduce the model in over 80% of the country’s PHC facilities, using a phased approach. WHO trained 44 community health workers on the family practice model in Libya, based on adapted regional guidelines. Another 30 health care professionals were trained on using standard
indicators to monitor and assess the quality of services in PHC facilities and help improve patient safety.

WHO supported a series of workshops to introduce 302 PHC nurses from south, east and west Libya to WHO’s new training package for nurses. The workshops comprised one week of theoretical sessions followed by a week of practical training. Those trained will go on to train fellow nurses inside Libya.

In total, 554 managers, physicians, nurses and other clinical staff were trained on various aspects of PHC in 2019.

Secondary health care

WHO trained 30 health care staff on hospital emergency preparedness and supported the logistic arrangements for 12 surgeons from Libya’s  main referral hospitals who travelled to Poitiers, France, for training on damage control surgery. WHO also launched a pilot project to assess patient safety in hospitals. The results of the assessment
will be published in early 2020.