The community-based initiatives programme was introduced in Jordan in 1996. The programme was initially implemented in the Mafraq governorate but has since been expanded to cover a population of 83110 in 12 districts.

The programme supports a range of activities, including: skills development, literacy classes, water and sanitation and income-generating projects.

Some of the challenges facing the programme in Jordan include: unsustained commitment of high-level policy- and decision-makers at the Ministry of Health; lack of sustainability in financial support; lack of coordination between institutions and duplication in areas of development.

Programme achievements include: increased confidence of community members in adopting leadership roles at local level to develop and implement health initiatives and programmes; the provision of small loans to conduct income-generating activities; and vocational skills training which has led to increased employment opportunities for many members of local communities, especially women.

Partners of the programme in Jordan include the Ministries of Agriculture and Social Affairs and nongovernmental organizations, such as Jordan Hashemite Funds, Queen Zein Al-Sharaf Institute and the Jordanian River Foundation.