Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO) – Health is wholeness. It includes a sense of belonging to community and experiencing control over your life – Optimal health is a by-product of people realizing their potential and living in a community that works
Development is a process through which there is a change in a population’s attitude, knowledge and skills thus raising the health, economic and political status of the people.
Development is a process through which there is a change in a population’s attitude, knowledge and skills thus raising the health, economic and political status of the people.
Community
A group of people interacting , and/or possibly living near each other and share some common values, and togetherness within a shared geographical location,- Generally in social units larger than a household
- The word can also refer to the national community or international community
- Community” can be everything from a rural neighbor hood to an urban region
- It can be the workplace or a group of shared interests and faith
- In the end, our “community” is where we are and who we are with
Opportunities for Health and Development in the Community
- There is a deeper sense of ownership and a motivation to share the concerns and strengths in the community
- The process of exploration enlightens the participants, that these issues exist; and reflecting about them provokes them to identify solutions and make informed decisions
- Communities can learn from each other; this is one way to encourage sharing of lessons learnt
What is a healthy community?
- It is a place that is continually creating and improving its physical and social environments, and expanding the community resources
- Enables people to support each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing themselves to their maximum potential
- A dynamic state of renewal and improvement.
- It builds a culture that supports healthy life choices and a high quality of life.
- It aligns its practices, policies, and resource allocation to sustain itself.
Right to Health
- Health is a basic human right as emphasized in the Kenyan constitution 2010 Chapter 4, Bill of Rights
- Health is the responsibility of every individual, family and community to seek and demand for health services
- Community Strategy is an approach to pursue our responsibility and claim our right accordingly. “Afya yetu, jukumu letu!” is a slogan for Community Strategy
Factors influencing health and development
Factors Hindering Health
- Poverty and lack of resources, unemployment
- Lack of individuals' voice in decisions affecting them
- Cultural beliefs, traditions and attitudes
- Illiteracy, lack of knowledge and skills
- Availability and quality of land
- Poor infrastructure
Factors influencing health and development
- Infrastructure
- Opportunities
- Human capital (essential elements of dignified life)
- Democratic space and leadership
- Respect for the basic human rights for all
Partnership in the Community
- Partnership can mean individual or institutional partners working together to share resources, ideas and experiences which support and enrich each other’s work so as to achieve their common goal.
- Partnership can be built based on trust, equity and mutual understanding. When Communities come together, schools succeed, neighbor hoods are safe, crime goes down, adults and youth feel safe, and young people realize their potential.
- Partnership develops relationships with individuals, neighborhoods, the Community and other agencies to identify problems and issues and then work together to develop solutions.
