In March 2024, Affordable Quality Health (AQH) and the State Health Resource Center (SHRC) in Chhattisgarh formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the NCD Health Literacy Project. This initiative aims to combat the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Chhattisgarh by improving health literacy and empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to prevent, manage, and reduce the impact of these diseases.

NCDs continue to be a major global health challenge, placing immense pressure on public health systems. In Chhattisgarh, the dual challenge of addressing these diseases while improving health literacy is a pressing issue. By leveraging resources, expertise, and networks, AQH and SHRC are committed to driving positive change in communities across the state.

The primary goal of the NCD Health Literacy Project is to empower individuals and communities in Chhattisgarh to take charge of their health and reduce the prevalence and impact of NCDs. This will be achieved through an integrated approach that includes educational workshops, community outreach programs, and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals.

Key Phases of the Project:

Preparatory Phase:

• Constitute a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to guide the project’s implementation.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping to identify key partners and influencers.
• Perform a baseline assessment to understand health literacy levels and identify locally relevant health literacy issues.

Implementation Phase:

• Co-design and roll out health literacy interventions tailored to the needs of communities in two blocks across two districts in Chhattisgarh.
• Measure the responsiveness of the community to health literacy efforts.
• Assess health literacy at the individual level, tracking knowledge retention and behavior changes.

Evaluation and Integration:

• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of health literacy interventions and refine them based on feedback.
• Integrate successful health literacy strategies into existing health systems and programs through advocacy and continuous dialogues with stakeholders.

Through this project, AQH and SHRC aim to foster lasting change by improving the health literacy of individuals and communities in Chhattisgarh. The initiative will equip people with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and manage NCDs effectively, ultimately contributing to the reduction of NCD-related morbidity and mortality in the state. 

By building the capacity of healthcare providers and fostering strong community engagement, the project seeks to create a sustainable model for health literacy that can be expanded across other regions in the future.