Healthy Municipalities and Communities (MCS)

The Healthy Municipalities and Communities (MCS) project sought to help families, leaders and local authorities in rural areas improve their living conditions through self-care, community organisation and the promotion of healthy environments. It placed special emphasis on the health of girls, boys and women, promoting changes in the home, community and municipality. The communities involved were mainly in mountainous and jungle areas, with difficult geographical access, high poverty rates, poor water and sanitation services, and the presence of coca leaf crops.

Funded by USAID.

Scope and duration

First stage

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1764

Communities and Neighbourhoods

153 districts in 13 regions

(San Martín, Ucayali, Huánuco, Ayacucho, Pasco, Cusco, Junín, Huancavelica, Apurímac, Lima, Ica, La Libertad and Áncash)

Second stage

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176

Communities

15 districts in

San Martín, Ucayali and Ayacucho

How do we work?

MCS Methodology: The project was based on the Healthy Families, Communities and Municipalities methodology, with a participatory approach that respects local culture. The work was carried out in four phases:

Phase I: Awareness raising and organisation

Families commit to becoming ‘healthy families’ and build their vision for change.
At the community level, Community Neighbourhood Councils (JVC) are strengthened and a shared vision for development is defined.

Phase II: Planning

Families conduct a self-assessment of their environment and health practices, and define commitments and rules for coexistence.
The community draws up its communal diagnosis, the healthy practices monitoring form and its communal plan, prioritising simple and achievable actions.

Phase III: Implementation

Supporting families in implementing their commitments to change.
Educational sessions, information campaigns, and technical assistance to the JVCs to implement the community plan, strengthening social cohesion.

Phase II: Planning

The community assesses achievements and challenges.
We work with local governments to integrate this information into their management (Concerted Development Plans and Participatory Budgeting), using the SISMUNI system, which organises community-based information.

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