Community Mobilization joins Behavior Change Communication to ensure that each community is intricately involved in its own health programs.

Communities are actively involved in developing messages that are not only culturally appropriate but also address any potential barriers to positive behavior change. Counterpart International (Counterpart) mobilizes communities and key stakeholders by identifying and training local leaders and government officials to participate on local health committees that provide direction to and input for health programs within the community.

Community groups also play an essential role in program implementation through Community Health Teams and the training of peer educators and community volunteers. Health program participation is increased by training local health workers who work directly with the community, empowering the people within the community to inform decision makers about the program elements that are successful and those that are less effective.

Counterpart works closely with community representatives when developing indicators for behavior change and planning program monitoring and evaluation.

Photo: © Counterpart International.