Community Systems Strengthening (CSS) and Swine Flu

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

The need to specifically look into the ways of strengthening the community

systems cannot be emphasized more at any other time than perhaps in the present

scenario of the extant(though some still say imminent)pandemic of Influenza A

('swine flu/Mexican flu).

 

In the past we have always worked on health systems strenghening(HSS) in

isolation under the mistaken presumption that it alone would be adequate to

ensure access to equitable healthcare ,in an emergency or otherwise, to all

those who need them.

 

Even under the rights perspective it was just the right to health-care which was

considered to be focussed in our plannings and interventions.

 

It is, however,strongly felt by me that it is imperative  to ensure fully

community based and community led interventions backed with directed efforts for

a sustained community systems strengthening(CSS). All the pursuits must be in

accordance with the reguirements of establishment,protection,promotion and full

assertion of the right to health.

 

All the socio-economic detrerminants of health have to be clearly delineated

with a strong community perspective on the basis of evidence generated and /or

validated by the community. Behaviour change for practices like hand washing,a

'cough etiquette' cannot be just adopted in all parts of the globe by a mere

dissemination of 'IEC materials'.

 

Just released WHO Guidance package for pandemic influenza preparedness and

response clearly mentions the need for " whole-of-society " approach based on a

comprehensive response from the community at large and not the traditional

'health sector' in isolation.

 

The WHO Guidance, Interim CDC Guidance and the national/technical guidelines and

literature must be consolidated to meet the local requirements to strengthen a

community based response supported by an effective and adequately monitored(say

by social audit) quality service delivery.

 

Together we can definitely tide over this or any other crisis in future also

with that approach.

 

Do provide your valuable feedback and critical commments to faciltate

 finetuning of the perspective, line of thinking and approaches.

 

Thanks and best wishs,

 

Dr. Rajesh  Gopal,MD

Joint  Director,

Gujarat  State  AIDS  Control  Society (GSACS),

O/1 Block, New  Mental Hospital  Complex,

Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

PIN 380016 Phone (O) 079-22680211--12--13,22685210 Fax 079-22680214

e_mail: <dr_rajeshg@...>