The major causes of morbidity and mortality in BPHWT’s areas, such as diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition, are mostly preventable. As a complement to the Medical Care Program, which primarily treats illnesses and injuries, the BPHWT designed the Community Health Education & Prevention Program to empower and support local people, through education and preventive health measures, to avoid/mitigate diseases and injuries.

CHEPP Objectives:

  • Improve water and sanitation systems in the community to reduce water-borne diseases
  • Educate students and communities about health
  • Reduce incidences of malnutrition and worm infestation
  • Improve networking among community health organizations

There are four activities existing within CHEPP: Water & Sanitation Sub-Program, School Health Sub-Program, Nutrition Sub-Program, and Village Health Workshops.

Water & Sanitation Sub-Program:

The Water & Sanitation Sub-Program monitors and improves the water and sanitation systems in communities to reduce the prevalence of water-borne diseases. The Sub-Program also trains field workers how to install and maintain latrines and water systems in villages.

School Health Sub-Program:

The School Health Sub-Program teaches school students and their teachers about nutrition, water and sanitation, and personal hygiene practices. Since the BPHWT programs are integrated, in some cases a school’s water and sanitation systems are also improved, and nutritional supplements and de-worming medication are given to a school’s students.

Nutrition Sub-Program:

Under the Nutrition Sub-Program of the CHEPP and the Maternal and Child Healthcare Program, the BPHWT distributes Vitamin A and de-worming medication to children from the age of one to twelve year old. This is essential to preventing malnutrition.

Village Health Workshops:

Through these workshops, community members gain improved knowledge of primary healthcare issues. The participants came from a wide variety of backgrounds and community groups, including shopkeepers, religious leaders, members of women organizations, and village heads. This wide and varied participation increases the likelihood of knowledge spreading and reaching all levels of the community.