Evaluation of the basic development needs programme in the Republic of Yemen

Abstract

Since the 1980s the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has been advocating poverty reduction as the most potent strategy to facilitate equitable development for achieving health-related goals. The strategy is consistent with the high priority given to this area of work on the agenda of most international development agencies for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In support of this strategy, the Regional Office is actively promoting, among the countries of the Region, community-based initiatives such as the basic development needs approach and healthy city, healthy village and women in health and development programmes. The basic development needs approach aims at achieving a better quality of life for people and the goal of health for all is its central area. It is a process of integrated socioeconomic development based on active community participation, promoting self-reliance through self-health, self-financing and self-management. It also provides a practical mechanism for intersectoral collaboration. These publications present the results of evaluations of the basic development needs programme in three countries of the Region: Djibouti, Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen