Traditional patterns and modern dilemmas: designing locally appropriate health interventions

This paper describes the environmental, social, and economic conditions that contribute to the high rates of childhood mortality, morbidity, and malnutrition in Mbita Division, South Nyanza District. This information is used to recommend intervention programmes such as the introduction of improved weaning foods using local resources, improved sanitation and health care delivery, and implementation of community based health care. These interventions are intended specifically to address identified problems in a feasible and culturally appropriate manner. Ultimately, the solutions to community health problems are not technical, but lie with optimal use of human resources.