Community health in shantytowns
in Lima, Peru
(1992-1996)

The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and the Ministry of Public Health in Peru united their efforts in order to ensure the introduction and assessment of an integrated network of health services and of development initiatives in the district of Independencia. This approach was undertaken in coordination with various stakeholders in the milieu, including community organizations, non governmental organizations and Health Ministry officials.

This project, financed by CIDA, was based on the involvement of the most dynamic women's groups in the district who were trained in using a model designed to introduce change into the health services. This approach made it possible to implement a training strategy called IDAS, which integrated education initiatives into community health services on the periphery of the health pyramid. The ultimate goal of the process was to transform the health conditions of the population and sanitary practices. The strategy also included training human resources.

During the last few months of execution, the project had so greatly surpassed expected results that other districts in and around Lima expressed the desire to also take part.

In February 2000, the community health project in shantytowns in Lima (1992-1996) received the CIDA Award of Excellence for the sustainable character of its results and for the quality of the partnership established with the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima and for its adherence to the priorities set by CIDA.