Diploma in Community-Based Health and Development

17 June - 12 July 2013

About CRHP

The Comprehensive Rural Health Project, Jamkhed (CRHP), has been working among the rural poor and marginalized for over 40 years. Founded in 1970 by Drs. Raj and Mabelle Arole to bring healthcare to the poorest of the poor, CRHP has become an organization that empowers people to eliminate injustices through integrated efforts in health and development. CRHP works by mobilizing and building the capacity of communities to achieve access to comprehensive development and freedom from stigma, poverty and disease.

Pioneering a comprehensive approach to primary community-based healthcare, known as the Jamkhed Model, CRHP has been a leader in public health and development in rural communities in India and around the world. The work of CRHP has been recognized by the WHO and UNICEF as well as being introduced to 178 countries across the world. In the last 40 years, CRHP has directly worked with over 300 villages in 8 Blocks with concentration mainly in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra.

About the Course

The Jamkhed Institute for Research and Development's annual diploma course provides participants with relevant, need-based and experiential learning in the principles of Community-Based Health and Development (CBHD). This course is designed for persons sponsored by his/her organization seeking further training, or for those who want to start an organization that incorporates the principles and practices of CBHD in a developing country, or in poor communities in developed countries.

The course curriculum is tailored to participants' needs, interests and experiences, with an emphasis on the practical application of concepts and skills learned. Sessions are conducted by CRHP staff and community members to encourage participatory and experiential learning through active involvement in sessions, demonstrations and discussions. In addition to classroom sessions, students engage in village visits and discussions with community groups such as Farmers' Clubs, Women's Self-Help Groups, Adolescent Groups and Village Health Workers.

Participants will develop an action plan on primary health care and development applicable to their own current or planned programs and will have ongoing support and feedback during the design. A certificate is given upon successful completion of the course.

Course Objectives:

1. Acquire a clear understanding of community-based primary health care and development

2. Learn practical skills to develop effective health and development projects with communities

3. Write an action plan for the implementation of CBHD principles within one's own community project

Subjects Covered Include:

• Principles of CBHD: equity, integration, empowerment, appropriate technology
• Collaborating with communities, village health workers, community organizing
• Rural development: multi-sectoral approaches, including income-generation projects
• Social and other determinants of health
• Common health issues, with focus on: women, children, mental health communicable and chronic diseases
• Alternative health systems
• Training, participatory methods
• Personal development, leadership
• Program planning and applying the model