Termos de Referência para o Estabelecimento e Funcionamento dos Comités de Saúde

The document was published in May 2012 by the Ministry of Health, Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion. The guide aims to facilitate the involvement of communities in health issues, particularly in maternal, neonatal, and infant health. It is based on the experience of community health committees, known as Conselhos de Lideres Comunitários para a Saúde (CLCs), and other community development initiatives within and outside Mozambique. The guide presents a structure for community health committees, including their definition, objectives, composition, and functions. It also outlines the steps for organizing a community health committee, the tasks of the committee, and recommendations for its effective functioning. According to the guide, a community health committee is a socio-community structure composed of members elected or chosen by the community to represent it and make decisions about health. The committee is an independent organism that should not be subordinate to health institutions. The guide emphasizes the importance of community involvement in health issues and the need for clear directives on the role and functions of community health committees. It also highlights the challenges faced by these committees, such as different approaches to facilitation and lack of clear guidelines on their role and coordination. The guide is divided into 10 sections, including: 1. Definition of community health committees 2. Objectives of community health committees 3. Composition and structure of community health committees 4. Steps for organizing a community health committee 5. Tasks of community health committees 6. Recommendations for effective functioning of community health committees 7. Role of other actors 8. Curriculum for capacity building of community health committees 9. Planning, monitoring, and evaluation 10. Motivation and sustainability The guide includes annexes with various instruments for community health committee activities and for measuring their capacity and impact. The document is a valuable resource for health professionals, community leaders, and organizations working in community health development in Mozambique. It provides a framework for establishing and functioning community health committees, which are essential for promoting community involvement in health issues and improving health outcomes.