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This presentation examines the problem of certain attitudes of persons employed in health and other sectors, and of the beneficiary population itself which, though not blocking, at least make it difficult to promote the attainment of health for all based on primary care. The author describes the changes of attitude and behavior patterns needed both in the whole population, for whose sake the changes are needed, and in those charged with establishing policies and providing health care. At the same time, he identifies the functions that schools of public health may have to perform in order to promote and bring about those changes. With a precise idea of what the desirable changes are and what they consist of, the article examines in detail the principal areas of interest, which it distinguishes as follows: the meaning of health; the meaning of health care and health development; the scope of policy-making; intersectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration; community involvement and self-care; cost-containment of medical care; health system organization and operation; health management training, and health manpower development. The author concludes by underscoring the vital importance of understanding the meaning of health for all and of taking cognizance of the current deficiencies of the health education and service systems, but states that it is just as important to keep an optimistic and positive attitude.