Commentary: in search of innovative approaches to international health.

The community health program of the Aga Khan University in Pakistan is reviewed from the perspective of historic and present-day developments in primary health care based in and focused on the community. The approach commonly referred to as community-oriented primary health care involves the complementary functions of clinical practice and epidemiology in partnership with the community. Encouragement and support by governments and other organizations for teaching and research in this field would ensure more adequate preparation of future practitioners and health scientists for community-oriented primary health care and would lead to improved health. Continuity of support for community health programs is important.