Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

APPNA SEHAT: A description of the development of a health education programme in rural Pakistan

Khalil, M.; Ayub, M.; Naeem, F.; Irfan, M.; Rehman, S.U.; Bacha, S.U.; Alam, M.B.; Ashraf, N.

Authors

M. Khalil

M. Ayub

F. Naeem

M. Irfan

S.U. Rehman

S.U. Bacha

M.B. Alam

N. Ashraf



Abstract

Background Pakistan is a developing country with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. The rates of infant and maternal mortality are higher than some other countries in the region with a similar level of income. The APPNA SEHAT programme focused on these issues with the help of locally available resources and with a wider aim of capacity building. Aims We describe a programme of health promotion through health education, aimed at a rural population in Pakistan. Objectives The primary objective of the programme was to reduce mortality and morbidity in the population at highest risk. Secondary objectives included general improvement in health, literacy, and environment and sanitation. Intervention A survey of the population followed by health education, training of the professionals and provision of a small selection of services via the staff employed by the project. For the majority of the services, the communities rely on existing resources. Setting Initially 16,375 people living in 15 villages were recruited in the programme in 1989. The number increased to 180,000 in 91 villages in four districts in three provinces of Pakistan over a period of ten years. Results We discuss the evolution of the programme during its lifetime and its acceptance by local communities. We plan to report the results of interventions in a series of further papers.

Citation

Khalil, M., Ayub, M., Naeem, F., Irfan, M., Rehman, S., Bacha, S., …Ashraf, N. (2005). APPNA SEHAT: A description of the development of a health education programme in rural Pakistan. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 43(4), 137-144. https://doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2005.10708055

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2005
Deposit Date Jun 13, 2011
Journal International Journal of Health Promotion and Education
Print ISSN 1463-5240
Electronic ISSN 2164-9545
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 4
Pages 137-144
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2005.10708055
Keywords Health promotion, Developing countries, Community development, Public health, Prevention, Maternal health, Child health.