Experiences from different countries of the Region implementing community-based initiatives programmes have shown that organized and aware communities are able to significantly improve basic health indicators within their communities. This training manual for cluster representatives and health volunteers encompasses a series of four modules to facilitate the work of health care providers with community participation. These modules show how communities can become involved at a grassroots’ level in the sustainable delivery of primary health care services. The modules cover: family health; emergencies, environmental health and food safety; communicable diseases; and noncommunicable diseases. They are available in Arabic, English and French.

Module 2 provides basic knowledge and skills on the role of the community in emergency preparedness and response, first aid, healthy environment and promoting food and chemical safety. Health facility workers are encouraged to use the manual to train cluster representatives and health volunteers to be able to assist them in developing hazard-specific emergency preparedness and response plans, establishing and maintaining an emergency information management system, enhancing community awareness to promote a safe environment, administering basic immediate first aid in the absence of medical help to reduce the severity of injuries, promoting personal and environmental hygiene, advocating for improving access to safe drinking-water, sanitation and waste management and raising community awareness about basic key principles to ensure safer food.