Primary Healthcare Strengthening
Building Resilient and responsive, Community-Centered Health Systems for Universal Access and Equity
Strong primary health care (PHC) systems are the cornerstone of equitable, efficient, and resilient health systems. Across the Global South, PHC remains the first — and often only — point of contact for millions seeking care. Yet many systems remain fragmented, under-resourced, and unable to meet the growing demands of communities.
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At Savanna Global Health Institute (SGHI), we strengthen the foundation of health systems by supporting the transition toward integrated, people-centered primary care. Our PHC Pod connects communities, facilities, and policymakers through innovative models that improve access, quality, and accountability — ensuring no one is left behind on the path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Problem
Despite global consensus that PHC is essential for UHC, implementation across the Global South remains uneven.
Fragmented systems
Vertical programs often focus on specific diseases, leaving communities with limited continuity and coordination of care.
Data and digital divides
Limited integration between community and facility data systems weakens performance monitoring and resource planning.
Weak infrastructure
Many facilities lack essential equipment, reliable power, or adequate space for preventive and chronic care.
Financing gaps
Out-of-pocket spending remains high, and most countries allocate less than 40% of their health budgets to PHC — far below recommended levels.
Workforce shortages
Chronic understaffing, especially of community health workers (CHWs) and mid-level providers, limits service reach and quality.
In Kenya and other LMICs, these challenges have resulted in inequitable service coverage, especially for rural and marginalized populations. Strengthening PHC is therefore the most cost-effective pathway to deliver health for all — by bringing services closer to people, improving efficiency, and fostering trust between communities and health systems.
Why It Matters
A well-functioning PHC system delivers up to 90% of essential health services, from immunization and maternal care to management of chronic conditions. Every $1 invested in PHC yields up to $16 in economic and social returns by reducing disease burden, boosting productivity, and preventing costly hospitalizations.
When PHC works, it saves lives, protects households from poverty, and strengthens resilience against future shocks from pandemics to climate-related crises.
Our Goal
To design and scale sustainable, community-led PHC systems that deliver preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care — improving population health and advancing equity across the Global South.
Strategic Themes and Focus Areas
Community-Led PHC Service Delivery Models​
Implement integrated PHC models that provide comprehensive, continuous care at the community level.
Strengthen task-sharing by training CHWs, nurses, and mid-level providers.
Enhance last-mile delivery of essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics to underserved areas.
Digital Innovations for PHC
Expand telemedicine and mobile health platforms for remote consultations, referrals, and follow-up care.
Deploy AI-powered diagnostics and decision-support tools to enhance frontline care.
Integrate interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) across PHC facilities for seamless patient management.
PHC Infrastructure & Supply Chain Strengthening
Workforce Capacity Building & Training
Improve facility readiness with modern infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, and essential equipment.
Strengthen continuous professional development and clinical mentorship for PHC providers.
PHC Financing & Payment Innovations
Develop performance-based financing models that reward quality and efficiency.
Policy & Governance for PHC Strengthening
Advocate for increased PHC prioritization in national budgets and health-sector strategies.
Strengthen supply chains for uninterrupted access to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Scale digital learning platforms to support ongoing training and decision-making.
Expand community-based health insurance (CBHI) and risk-pooling schemes for affordable PHC coverage.
Support decentralized governance frameworks that enhance accountability and performance management.
Optimize procurement and logistics systems to reduce stockouts and wastage.
Promote task-shifting models to optimize workforce efficiency and address gaps in rural areas.
Support blended financing and capitation mechanisms to ensure sustainable PHC funding.
Align reforms under One Plan, One Budget, and One M&E Framework to foster efficiency and system coherence.
Our Approach
SGHI’s PHC Pod integrates systems design, financing, digital innovation, and quality improvement to create scalable, locally owned models of primary care.
Our approach emphasizes:
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Local Ownership​
Strengthening community leadership and participation in health planning and delivery.
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Integration
Breaking silos between programs, facilities, and governance structures to create seamless systems.
3
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Embedding monitoring and evaluation systems that inform continuous improvement.
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Partnerships for Scale
Working with governments, private sector, and civil society to institutionalize proven models.
By linking policy, practice, and evidence, SGHI helps governments and partners build primary care systems that are equitable, efficient, and resilient.