Addressing health inequity during the COVID-19 pandemic through primary health care and public health collaboration: a multiple case study analysis in eight high-income countries
This study examined how public health (PH) and primary health care (PHC) collaborated during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. The researchers analyzed COVID-19 pandemic response reports from eight countries: Belgium, Canada (Ontario), Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain.
The results indicated that collaboration between PH and PHC can help reduce health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. To prepare for future pandemics, response strategies should consider the social determinants of health to mitigate the unequal impact of COVID-19. The pandemic demonstrated valuable insights into improving health systems and providing universal access to healthcare by strengthening the connections between public health and primary health care.
