THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the importance of Primary Health Care (PHC) in disease prevention and health promotion, considering its strategic role in organizing healthcare and bringing health services closer to the population. This is a bibliographic study with a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on the analysis of scientific articles, official documents, and academic publications related to Primary Health Care, disease prevention, health promotion, and the Brazilian Unified Health System. The results of the literature analyzed showed that PHC is a fundamental setting for developing preventive, educational, and healthcare actions, including vaccination, monitoring of chronic conditions, early identification of health problems, health education, and encouragement of healthy lifestyles. The relevance of multidisciplinary work, territorialization, longitudinal care, and community participation was also identified. However, challenges remain regarding infrastructure, availability of professionals, financing, integration of healthcare networks, and implementation of intersectoral actions. It is concluded that strengthening PHC is essential to expand access, promote equity, and develop a healthcare model focused on prevention, health promotion, and comprehensive care.