The Community Health Work Programme was initiated by APD in 1999 using the by-the-people and for-the-people approach. Its activities serve as a base for the holistic and long term development of the slum which in turn promotes better health for all.

The Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the key functionaries of this Programme and support the slum residents in addressing disabilities of different types – orthopaedic, speech and hearing, and mental retardation. They organize the following activities with regular guidance from APD:

• Day and residential health camps
• Health education and counseling on a range of issues including hygiene and immunization
• Hospital referrals and follow ups.
• Regular interaction with families, especially women
• Capacity building
• Vocational skills training for people with different disabilities.
• Support in sourcing placement and self-employment for people with various types of disabilities

The health screening of new born babies is a valuable activity of this programme. It has led to the early detection of deformities and prompt corrective interventions among them. Impact of Community Health Programme

• Placement of people with disabilities in different work places including factories, tailoring units
• Networking with various groups – Janarogya Andolan, State Disabled people’s Network
• Adoption of family planning methods by women
• Reinstating of dropout children in school
• Preparation and distribution of nutrition supplement powder
• Supporting workers of Integrating Child Development Service (ICDS) in effective functioning of Anganwadi centres.
• Effective implementation of Government schemes and policies.