Applying Community Engagement Methods to Facilitate Global Co‑Learning among Indigenous Communities

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Community engagement principles align with the Global Learning for Health Equity Framework.
• Core values include trust, respect, reciprocity, and humility.
• Emphasis on community wisdom and equitable, bidirectional co-creation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe community engagement methods used in a global learning initiative.
• To identify local strategies for addressing water insecurity and advancing child health.
• To reflect on challenges, lessons learned, and future directions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized community engagement methods in a global learning initiative.
• Engaged two Indigenous communities: one in Peru and the Navajo Nation.
• Employed cross-site and site-specific engagement strategies.

Main Results:

• The initial year focused on identifying local strategies for water insecurity and child health.
• Community engagement facilitated a process of equitable, bidirectional learning.
• Challenges and lessons learned were documented for future directions.

Conclusions:

• Community engagement is integral to global health equity initiatives.
• Collaborative approaches are essential for addressing complex health issues like water insecurity.
• The described methods offer valuable insights for future community-based research.