A model for health intervention

A Primary Health Care Programme was initiated in a squatter settlement of Karachi with the aim of increasing the awareness regarding the importance of hygiene, immunization, oral rehydration (ORS), nutrition, and so on. A minimum of four resource personnel were able to reach 700 individuals by means of a 'snow-balling' effect. Primary Health Care Workers from the area were required to provide health education to mothers in the Community. A post-intervention survey revealed health education (intervention) was successful in modifying the approach of home-management of diarrhoea, fever and respiratory tract infections. Literacy also influenced home-management of diarrhoea and fever. Thus, health education not only changed the awareness and knowledge of the Community, but also successfully altered health practices which is reflected in reduced incidence of these diseases.