Community health is shaped by the information people receive, the services they can reach and the decisions they can influence. MCHF’s strategy includes participation, health literacy and equity together.
Health literacy
Health information becomes useful when people can understand it, ask questions and connect it with available services. The plan includes accessible materials, community dialogues and trusted peer educators.
Meaningful participation
People contribute more than attendance. Youth, women’s groups, local leaders and underserved groups can help identify priorities, shape activities and provide feedback.
Equity in practice
Equity recognises that social, economic and geographical barriers are different for different groups. Programme design should identify those barriers and prioritise people who are underserved.
An example to think through
Consider a proposed community outreach activity. A community-centred design asks whose priorities informed it, whether young people and underserved groups could contribute, and how feedback will be heard. Attendance alone does not show that people influenced a decision. The strategy’s participation and inclusion commitments encourage programmes to consider both reach and voice.
Questions for discussion
Whose voice is missing from a discussion? How will people know that their feedback was considered? Which barriers could prevent a group from taking part?
Reading the framework
These concepts explain MCHF’s strategic direction for 2027–2031. They are not claims of completed activities or verified outcomes. Annual planning refines implementation in response to baseline findings, confirmed resources, geographical scope and capacity.
Related knowledge
MCHF Strategic Plan 2027–2031
Our integrated five-year framework for equitable health: five programme areas, 26 interventions, implementation, learning and accountability.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
The Foundation’s objectives, governance structure, five strategic portfolios and institutional accountability framework.