This presentation will focus on outlining the issues and challenges to developing a framework for a PHC approach for emergencies and disasters. The emphasis will be how the use of the PHC principles to achieve equity and social justice can improve disaster response. These approaches include; universal coverage/equity, community participation, intersectoral collaboration and the use of appropriate technology. Discussion will include; the revitalization of PHC and the role of PHC in emergencies and the challenges of the PHC approach in emergencies. Responding to emergencies from the perspective of disaster risk management, community based health work force and self care will be reviewed. Finally, pre-emergency preparedness focusing on community based benchmarks, community based disaster management planning and strengthening health systems based on PHC will be discussed.