Principles and strategies of effective community participation

A framework is offered for understanding the conceptual basis and the strategic implications of community participation, in achieving Health for All goals. Special focus is given to the meaning, settings and levels of participation in official decision-making structures and at the community level. Questions such ‘how is participation facilitated?’, ‘who participates?’ and ‘what are the benefits and obstacles to participation?’ are geared primarily towards the needs of individuals who function at the city level and expect practical strategic advice and guidance. The structure of the 1989 WHO Healthy Cities Symposium which was devoted to community action was based on the framework and conceptual approach of this paper.