Building healthier communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In the rural districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, access to essential health services remains a challenge, particularly for women and other vulnerable populations. To address this issue, Germany is supporting the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen primary health care through targeted community awareness sessions.
These sessions aim to improve access to primary care and maternal and child health services and also promote positive health-seeking behaviours such as proper nutrition and good hygiene practices. So far, 243,603 individuals have benefited from these awareness-raising activities, which are contributing to sustainable, community-led improvements in health outcomes.
This initiative is led by trained community health workers and activists. They engage directly with communities to provide essential support and deliver vital information. Their work is fostering a culture of preventive care and informed decision-making, particularly among women.
Bakht Bibi is a mother of nine and lives in Chagharmatai, Peshawar. After attending one of the awareness sessions, her perspective on preventive healthcare has changed significantly.
"I never realised the importance of seeing a doctor during pregnancy. Now I understand that vaccines, nutrition and regular check-ups can save lives. I take better care of myself and encourage other women to do the same. It’s not just a choice, it’s a necessity," Bakht Bibi said.
Empowered with new knowledge, she ensures that her children are regularly vaccinated. She is now better equipped to protect her own health and that of her family.
Watch the video to learn more about her story and how community awareness is contributing to more resilient and healthier communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.