A local-level evaluation of capacity for health promotion in Lima, Peru: Comas and Callao health center areas utilizing the WHO health promotion capacity profile

Abstract

Capacity mapping for health promotion in Peru is said to have been done in 2001 and 2010 by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization through a regional exercise, but no specific report is available to examine in detail. This paper reviews the role of what has come to be termed ‘capacity-mapping’ in health promotion in three health center service areas in Peru that are part of a community-based health promotion project partially financed by KOICA. One international capacity mapping tool was used to evaluate the situation of the mentioned services areas, specifically the Health Promotion Capacity Profile, developed by WHO in 2004. Local-level capacity for health promotion was analyzed, and limitations are highlighted. The results of the local-level exercise are discussed and suggestions are made on how to improve the identified components in Lima, Peru that are the most lacking; primarily, the areas of partnerships among public, nongovernmental and private organizations, professional development, and health promotion financing. Community-based interventions such as local health promotion programmes should be encouraged as they foster partnerships and support the strengthening of health promotion education for local staff. In addition, the introduction of an earmarked tobacco tax system could be a solution to the considerable financing issue that also affects local health centers, so that the development of effective and sustainable health promotion programmes can be attained.

Keywords:

• Capacity mapping
• health promotion
• local-level evaluation
• community-based programme

Acknowledgments

We express our sincere appreciation to the study participants, regional authorities and field enumerator who made this study possible.