Community engagement in public health: rethinking training-based initiatives for prevention and promotion

Abstract

Community training in health prevention and promotion is widespread. However, training of community members in public health often takes on limiting roles, reducing the potential and the effectiveness of their interventions. This commentary critically examines the current landscape of training-based public health initiatives, highlighting the dominant forms and methods used to improve community health. We discuss issues and limitations of (para)professionalization, utilitarian approaches to community involvement, underemphasis on cultural and social factors, overreliance on behavioral change models, limited engagement of the broader community, and the implementation of narrow, fragmented actions. We argue for a stronger shift toward more supportive community-centered models and methods in line with the ideals of the new public health. By rethinking training and capacity-building initiatives in public health, we advocate for approaches that foster collective empowerment, sustained participation, and more meaningful health outcomes, with public health taking a step back to accompany communities rather than directing them.