Community participation in environmental health: Eastern Azerbaijan healthy villages project

Abstract

The objective of this project in East Azerbaijan villages was to improve community participation in rural areas in a Healthy Villages programme. The project covered 1680 villages, and 3605 training courses for health staff and village residents on environmental health were conducted in 10 stages from 1992 to 2000. Men's and women's health councils in villages were established in 92% and 62% of villages respectively. In 39% of villages, people collected animal waste and improved the disposal collection process. A decrease in the prevalence of parasitic disease in the area was prominent after the project.