Israel journal of medical sciences
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Prevention is a key element of primary health care, as defined by the Alma-Ata Conference and promoted by the World Health Organization. Developed as well as developing countries are giving renewed emphasis to prevention in the planning of health care. Israel has much to gain by placing high priority on prevention in its health policy.
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In South Africa, early lessons in primary health care were lost to sight and have been rediscovered only recently. Priorities need to be reassessed in order to better allocate resources to community needs. Developing and developed communities require different primary care services. ⋯ In developing communities, where there is a shortage of doctors, trained nurses operate local clinics with the help of community workers. Community participation and the cooperation of the traditional healers are necessary. Appropriate training of personnel for an effective role in public health care is essential.