The Kadavu health promotion model, Fiji

Abstract

The Kadavu Rural Health Project in Fiji focused on improving the community capacity for health development in each of the nine districts and in the Province of Kadavu. The essential activity was to provide information on village health issues to people who were endorsed to make decisions within existing local government and traditional structures. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion was adapted by commencing with 'community learning' based on an adult education cycle of experience review, information seeking, policy development and community action planning. Village, district and provincial councils were able to formulate public policies, mobilise community action and create healthier village environments. A 'bottom-up' development approach, from village to district and provincial councils, clarified roles and responsibilities, identified resources and developed processes that, as extensions of normal community practices, are likely to be sustainable. Kadavu provides a health promotion model that is generated and legitimated by local communities, rather than by government ministries or external agencies.