Health education leading to community action in Ghana.

In rural Ghana, women face a tough time as there is little in the way of health facilities, few health workers, and the women have to farm as well as raise children and keep house. Community male elders and the younger men in the community do not pay much attention to the reproductive health problems faced by women. Providing information and education for health is the key to enable people to realize their needs and initiate joint community actions to achieve better health. However, such information needs to be disseminated in a manner, which is easily accepted by the people. The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana has taken the approach of utilizing drama performances by their health volunteers, which tackle the real life problems existing in a village, such as a woman troubled by too much childbirth. When information is given in this way, a form rooted in traditional culture, the messages of health education are readily acceptable. Along with the support of village elders and residents, health education becomes a valuable tool to encourage joint community efforts in solving health problems. Changes are occurring. A local steering committee was set up involving all groups, including chiefs, community leaders and CBDAs. Various activities have been initiated and expanded in the community in collaboration and participation with community leaders and the residents. Some of these are home visits by CBDAs, outreach services, environmental sanitation campaigns, and income generating activities and vocational training for women.