Primary health care serves as the foundational philosophy of the global health strategy endorsed by the WHO, with the overarching goal of achieving “health for all.” This approach acknowledges health as a fundamental human right, emphasizing people’s active participation and self-determination in achieving good health. Primary health care is characterized by a methodology that prioritizes local community needs, encourages people’s involvement, and addresses issues comprehensively and equitably with community engagement.

The practice of primary health care adheres to five core principles: “Fairness/equality,” “local community/individual participation,” “emphasis on prevention,” “appropriate technology,” and “need for a complex/multifaceted approach from multiple fields.” These principles guide interventions aimed at promoting health and well-being within communities.

The implementation of primary health care involves eight fundamental activities: “Health education and prevention,” “food supply and proper nutrition,” “safe water and sanitation,” “maternal and child health including family planning,” “immunization against major infectious diseases,” “prevention and management of endemic diseases,” “treatment of common illnesses and injuries,” and “provision of essential medicines.” In Japan, the health promotion policy named “National Health Promotion Movement in the 21st Century (Healthy Japan 21),” launched in 2000, aligns with these principles.

Nurses play a pivotal role in primary health care by engaging in activities aimed at improving health, preventing diseases, and supporting individuals in leading fulfilling lives despite disabilities and illnesses.

• Japanese Academy of Family Medicine. (2010). New introduction to family physicians and primary care physicians: Aiming to become doctors needed in the community. Primed Publishing.
• Matsuda, M., Okuno, H., Sugawara, S., et al. (Eds.). (2010). The changing world and community health promotion in the 21st century: Let’s try primary health care (3rd ed.). Yadokari Publishing.