The community-based initiatives programme was implemented in Sudan by the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, in 1980. The programme became part of the community development directorate in 2010. It focuses on integrating health promotion within community-based initiatives settings, developing community structures in terms of capacity-building and organization; empowering the community; and conducting activities related to planning and implementation of healthy setting projects. The programme also works with related sectors and other departments within the Federal Ministry of Health and related ministries on mainstreaming gender in health, health equity and in addressing the social determinants of health.

In 2011 the programme was expanded to 12 new communities and city profiles and plans for implementation of healthy city projects were completed; trainers were trained on gender mainstreaming in health; and health leaders within the Federal Ministry of Health and related sectors were oriented on the programme.

Key partners include the Ministries of Social Welfare and Education, academia, community-based organizations and nongovernamental organizations operating in the country.