Community ownership is at the heart of the EMPOWER-D intervention.
One inspiring example from Budhni Block, Rural Tehsil Chamkani, Peshawar, shows how community members can come together to take practical steps towards better health.
During the EMPOWER-D intervention sessions, Community Mobilizers encouraged community members to take an active role in the prevention and control of diabetes and its risk factors. They also shared experiences and success stories from other communities, motivating people to think about how they could support the health of their own community.
Community Comes Together to Support Health
Inspired by these discussions, the community members decided to take a collective step. They collected funds among themselves and purchased a glucometer and BP apparatus for regular health monitoring in their community.
The equipment was then given to a local dispensary owner and PLA group leader in Budhni Block, who agreed to take responsibility for conducting BP and blood sugar checks once a week within the community.
Community members contribute Rs. 50 per person for the checking, as agreed by the group, or they can bring their own glucose strips for blood sugar testing. This simple arrangement is helping community members regularly monitor their BP and blood sugar levels and become more aware of their health.
The initiative is a good example of how communities can use their own resources to support health activities. Rather than depending entirely on external support, community members came together, contributed financially, purchased the necessary equipment, and decided how it could be used for the benefit of others.
A Visit to the Community Session
During one of these weekly sessions, Dr Wali Muhammad, District Coordinator Peshawar, visited the community session and observed the activity. He also had his BP and blood sugar checked, paying Rs. 50 according to the arrangement agreed by the group.
Dr Wali Muhammad appreciated the efforts of the community members and the PLA group leader for taking ownership of the activity. He also encouraged the community to continue supporting such initiatives for better health.
Turning Participation into Ownership
This initiative demonstrates how the EMPOWER-D intervention can help community members move from simply participating in activities to taking ownership of their health.
The community’s decision to collect funds, purchase a glucometer and BP apparatus, and entrust the equipment to a local PLA group leader shows how small, community-led actions can create sustainable health activities.
It also highlights the important role of Community Mobilizers and PLA groups in encouraging people to learn from one another, share success stories, and take practical action within their own communities.
Through the continued efforts of motivated community members and local leaders, we are hopeful that communities like Budhni Block will become increasingly empowered to prevent and control diabetes and promote healthier lives.
When communities come together, small actions can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Written by Gul Ghutai.
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