A new model for integrating public health and health care delivery— epidemic-ready primary health care—that can identify and stop outbreaks, maintain essential services during disruptions, strengthen population resilience, and ensure health worker and patient safety. For the Lancet Global Health, we argue that strengthening primary health-care capacities for detection, vaccination, treatment, and coordination with public health would improve health security significantly. We anticipate that progress will be stepwise, driven by agreements on core services, optimized funding mechanisms, and health improvement incentives. Advocacy from health workers and civil society will be essential, as is political consensus. To achieve robust epidemic-ready primary health care, we must commit to substantial financial and structural reforms, ensuring that we are prepared for future health challenges.
