Issues in primary health care development in Vanuatu

The primary health care (PHC) approach has been adopted as a means of achieving health for all in Vanuatu since 1984. This has proved remarkably successful as a guiding force for primary care especially at the national level. It has, however, proved more difficult than at first anticipated to devolve planning and management to the regional and district levels. A task force, which was set up in 1989, appears to have been successful, at least initially, in developing concrete plans for greater co-ordination at the regional level. This article reviews some of the issues involved in implementing the objectives of PHC in Vanuatu, with particular reference to a regional review and planning process begun in 1989. Problems and future directions in the practical application of the principles of PHC are discussed.