Community participation in maternal and child health / family planning programmes: an analysis based on case study materials

The importance of community participation as an element in the delivery of health care has received increasing recognition since the Declaration of Alma-Ata on primary health care in 1978. With the aim of determining whether it is possible to single out the factors and conditions that make community participation effective, the author of this book reviewed a wide range of health and related development programmes, particularly in the field of maternal and child health and family planning.
The concept of community participation is discussed in terms both of its historical origins and of its various definitions and interpretations. Two sets of factors that determine the progress of health programmes involving community participation are developed, and illustrated by analysis of programme objectives and success in their achievement. The limitations and potential of this analytical approach are assessed.
The book is intended as an aid to health planners, enabling them to recognize certain management issues and behavioural factors that will influence the nature and course of health programmes that rely on community participation.