Preserving high quality, equitable healthcare for communities worldwide is a global priority. Mater Researcher Professor Claire Jackson AM, Director of the Centre for Health System Reform and Integration (CHSRI) had the opportunity to contribute her voice to this important conversation as a delegate at a recent conference.  

The Essential Role of Primary Health Care for Health Security and Securing Health Conference, sponsored by The World Health Organisation, the World Organisation of Family Doctors, (WONCA), the World Bank, the Center for Professionalism and Value in Health Care, American Board of Family Medicine Foundation, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), and the Commonwealth Fund, saw 127 delegates from 23 different countries converge on Washington, DC. 

As one of only two Australians who attended the conference, Professor Jackson AM said that the meeting was a unique opportunity to learn from other countries about their experiences in this space. 

“It was very interesting to learn about other countries' approaches to payment reform. Learning more about state and federal collaboration was highly applicable to our own National Health Reform Agreements,” Professor Jackson AM said.  

The meeting focused on advancing primary healthcare in developed and developing countries as a priority for national health security, as well as supporting the creation of an international primary care strategy and coordinating infrastructure to build primary healthcare to support health priorities worldwide. 

Australia’s strong primary care response throughout COVID-19 was featured, including the growing links with public and preventative health initiatives. 

"I was very proud to see how well Mater’s programs compare to other healthcare services around the world. In particular, Mater's care integration programs in digital health (eConsultant) and early identification and reversal of frailty, are both cutting edge,” Professor Jackson AM said.  

The Mater Research/UQ Centre for Health System Reform and Integration brings together and develops the work of two Centres for Research Excellence to research, evaluate and train in emerging areas of health system reform internationally. To learn more, click here.  

Image: delegates at the conference