Community Engagement: Reaching the Unreached and addressing Social Determinants of Health

Community Engagement in the Western Pacific: Reaching the Unreached and addressing Social Determinants of Health

Community engagement is how we operationalize action on the social determinants of health in the Western Pacific Region. It is an effective approach that leads to better interventions and positive outcomes. Community engagement helps to understand and address local issues and challenges; identify and implement more effective grounds-up solutions; and leverage local resources and networks for sustaining health interventions and outcomes. The process also builds relationships and trust between stakeholders. Through community engagement, individuals and communities are empowered to take an active role in their health and participate in the decisions and structures that impact health.