A New Chapter in South Africa’s Health Care: The SAPHC Conference

The South African Primary Health Care Conference is a crucial forum organized by the Department of Health to reflect on the future of South Africa’s health care system. The conference aims to explore the crucial role of Primary Health Care in realizing Universal Health Coverage by 2030 and brings together stakeholders from diverse health sectors to offer valuable insights from international experiences. The event holds the potential to reshape the country’s health care scene and represents a stride towards a healthier and more equitable future for all South Africans.

What is the SAPHC Conference and its significance for South Africa’s health care system?

The South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) Conference is a two-day forum organized by the Department of Health to reflect on and map out the future course for South Africa’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system. The conference aims to explore the crucial role of PHC in realizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa by 2030. It brings together stakeholders from diverse health sectors and offers valuable insights from international experiences. The event holds the potential to reshape the country’s health care scene and represents a stride towards a healthier and more equitable future for all South Africans.

The SAPHC Conference: A Catalyst for Change

East London, one of South Africa’s bustling cities on the eastern coast, is gearing up to serve as the setting for a critical two-day forum that holds the potential to reshape the country’s health care scene. The Department of Health has organized the South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) Conference, slated for the 15th and 16th November. This event aims to take stock of, reflect on and map out the future course for South Africa’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system as we mark three decades of democracy. The central goal is to explore and deliberate on the crucial role of PHC in realizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa by 2030.

The significance and influence of Primary Health Care are indisputable. It is a holistic, just, cost-efficient, and effective approach to improve the physical and mental health and social welfare of individuals. Acting as the linchpin of the country’s health system, PHC is the first port of call for nearly 86% of the South African populace.

The Conference: A Meeting of Minds

The scenic city of East London will provide the backdrop for the conference, which is expected to draw close to 350 delegates from all of South Africa’s nine provinces. The attendees will constitute stakeholders from diverse health sectors and delegates from both national and global organizations, including the esteemed World Health Organization. Together, they will engage in dialogue under the thematic umbrella: “Towards Universal Health Coverage, Strengthening Primary Health Care: A Whole of Government, Whole of Society Approach”.

This theme underscores the importance of a robust primary health care system in South Africa’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage through National Health Insurance. The conference will also offer the attendees a chance to glean valuable insights from international experiences, particularly those of Thailand, Vietnam, Cuba, and Mauritius. These nations’ experiences in executing the Primary Health Care approach and providing services in socio-economic scenarios akin to South Africa could provide invaluable lessons.

Renowned Speakers and Key Discussions

Leading the discussions will be eminent figures such as the Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, who will deliver the keynote speech, and the Deputy Minister Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo. The list of speakers also comprises Provincial MECs for Health and Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.

The conference seeks to underscore the pivotal role that Primary Health Care plays in realizing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy living and promote well-being for individuals across all age groups.

The conference will take place at the East London International Convention Centre located at No. 2 Marine Park Complex, 22 Esplanade St, East London, Eastern Cape Province. It will run from 9 am to 5 pm on both days. Members of the media are warmly invited to participate in this significant event and are encouraged to RSVP with Mr. Tlou Tlhako.

A Step towards a Healthier Future

With the conference approaching, there is a palpable sense of expectancy. The discussions and deliberations that will take place over these two days have the potential to redirect the trajectory of health care in South Africa. This event is more than just a conference; it represents a stride towards a healthier and more equitable future for all South Africans.

1. What is the SAPHC Conference, and why is it significant for South Africa’s health care system?

The South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) Conference is a two-day forum organized by the Department of Health to reflect on and map out the future course for South Africa’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system. The conference aims to explore the crucial role of PHC in realizing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa by 2030. It brings together stakeholders from diverse health sectors and offers valuable insights from international experiences. The event holds the potential to reshape the country’s health care scene and represents a stride towards a healthier and more equitable future for all South Africans.

2. What is the theme of the SAPHC Conference?

The theme of the SAPHC Conference is “Towards Universal Health Coverage, Strengthening Primary Health Care: A Whole of Government, Whole of Society Approach.” This theme underscores the importance of a robust primary health care system in South Africa’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage through National Health Insurance.

3. Who can attend the SAPHC Conference?

The SAPHC Conference is open to stakeholders from diverse health sectors, delegates from both national and global organizations, and attendees from all of South Africa’s nine provinces. The conference is expected to draw close to 350 delegates.

4. Who are the keynote speakers at the SAPHC Conference?

The keynote speakers at the SAPHC Conference are the Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, and the Deputy Minister Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo. The list of speakers also comprises Provincial MECs for Health and Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region.

5. What is the venue and time of the SAPHC Conference?

The SAPHC Conference will take place at the East London International Convention Centre located at No. 2 Marine Park Complex, 22 Esplanade St, East London, Eastern Cape Province. It will run from 9 am to 5 pm on both days.

6. How does the SAPHC Conference contribute to Sustainable Development Goals?

The SAPHC Conference seeks to underscore the pivotal role that Primary Health Care plays in realizing Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy living and promote well-being for individuals across all age groups. By exploring the crucial role of PHC in realizing Universal Health Coverage in South Africa by 2030, the conference is contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.