Community action for health refers to collective efforts by communities which are directed towards increasing community control over the determinants of health, and thereby improving health.
Reference: new definition
The Ottawa Charter emphasises the importance of concrete and effective community action in setting priorities for health, making decisions, planning strategies and implementing them to achieve better health. The concept of community empowerment is closely related to the Ottawa Charter definition of community action for health. In this concept an empowered community is one in which individuals and organizations apply their skills and resources in collective efforts to address health priorities and meet their respective health needs. Through such participation, individuals and organizations within an empowered community provide social support for health, address conflicts within the community, and gain increased influence and control over the determinants of health in their community.
