Developing human resources to meet primary health care needs

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Strengthening intersectoral approaches to the reform of health personnel development would ensure its relevance to the "Health for All" strategies. Support for efforts to enhance managerial skills at the district level should ensure the systematic development and efficient operation of the basic health system. Development of intensive, short, practical training programmes with emphasis on skills in effective communication, community organization and facilitation of behaviour change would prepare local personnel of all sectors involved in social development for carrying out their respective roles. Special health education programmes focusing on the role of women in the health care system would be developed in cooperation with the education sector.