1999 WEDC

CONFERENCE: 25th WEDC Addis Ababa

YEAR: 1999

AUTHORS: Waterkeyn,J.

TITLE: Structured Participation in Community Health Clubs.

FULL PAPER: 1999_JW_WEDC

ABSTRACT:

 Zimbabwe A.H.E.A.D is a Non Governmental Organisation which has pioneered an innovative methodology for mobilising rural people through the establishment of  ‘Community Health  Clubs’. The organisation aims to improve family health through the provision of  health education leading to safe sanitation and improved hygiene. Within the past two years, 200 Community Health Clubs have been established in 5 Districts of Zimbabwe, with around  10,000 members. They are proving that not only do they stimulate a strong demand for improved sanitation but that they actually promote positive behavioural changes leading to greatly improved levels of hygiene in the home. This paper analyses Community Health Clubs from a social perspective, demonstrating how and why they are formed.  It also explores the reasons for the popularity of the clubs and looks at the social-psychology behind the success of this new methodology.