CIVIC Engagement: Improvement in health and social status by developing partnership between civic society and university

Since 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) has continued to work on health systems development through prototype projects in urban and rural settings. In 1985, AKU implemented Primary Health Care (PHC) initiatives through its... [ view full abstract ]

Since 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) has continued to work on health systems development through prototype projects in urban and rural settings. In 1985, AKU implemented Primary Health Care (PHC) initiatives through its Urban Health Program (UHP) in urban slums of Karachi. This partnership between an academic institution and community provides an excellent, sustainable and replicable learning experience. This paper will share the reflection of published material related to health and social status and partnership of communities with a university.


In last 24 years, the faculty have widely published their research work in peer reviewed journals, based on different aspects of Urban Health Program.., eighty such papers/commentaries were Identified. Nine papers/commentaries highlight the theme: improvement of health and social status, by having partnership between civic society and university.


UHP has evolved in three phases. In first phase (1985-1996), UHP concentrated on PHC at six squatter settlements. The infant mortality rate reduced to 50% and under five mortality to 57%. Local girls were involved as Community Health Workers (CHWs) for surveillance.

In second phase (1994-1999), eight sites including two control were selected. Along with the provision of PHC services, intersectoral approaches were also considered. Community groups called Community Management Teams (CHMTs) were formed to work as partners.

In the third phase (2000 to date), 3 sites were selected. Community is working with UHP as a partner to have sustainable initiatives for primary health care. . UHP is focusing on antenatal care, family planning, immunization, health education, curative services, referral system, community capacity building and rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems.

The strategies have varied from health interventions to health and development with intersectoral approach and community participation and seems more effective. These programs may be replicated elsewhere..



Key words: primary health care, community, civic engagement, community health workers, sustainable , scalable