Very few of the NGO or small action groups, have an extensive Health Education/ Promotion Programme. Many have approached IIMC through the network for financial and training support to implement the IIMC model at their NGO. The IIMC model is taken to mean the health education/promotion work that is carried out at Hogolkuria village, where all the 9 elements of the Health Education team’s work are implemented either in the village or at the IIMC centre. IIMC has agreed to assist 29 NGOs in 8 districts of West Bengal to adopt the IIMC model. In the first two years of this pilot project IIMC provides funds for one Health Unit in Charge and one health worker of the NGOs to carry out motivation, mother awareness and group meetings for the local needs assessment.

A vital part of the Hogolkuria model is the capture of baseline data around population, contraception uptake, nutritional status, family size, tube well and service provision etc, which informs the needs assessment exercise and helps for future evaluation. This captured baseline data, along with qualitative findings from the village opinion process on what they desire for their village, will determine which are the most appropriate elements of the IIMC model to be adopted. Short and long term targets will then be set.

Thereafter, the necessary techniques of engaging the local community in carrying out the elements of the Hogolkuria model will be passed onto the workers concerned. In the subsequent years, when implementing the IIMC model, comparisons will be made with the baseline data to identify positive behaviour changes and increased health status of the village people. Management and supervision will be maintained via the Total Project-in-charge and supervisor persons based at IIMC. After two or three years the NGOs must then pursue their version of the IIMC model themselves. This pilot project started in April 2001. Training in health Education /Promotion provided through the forum guided these NGOs on how best to implement and evaluate their work, whilst they adapted the IIMC model in their particular field location. All experiences and learning around this pilot project will be disseminated through, the forum thus raising skill status and awareness across 45 or more NGOs. Links with these NGOs exist with the local Government through the Voluntary Health Association of West Bengal. The last Saturday in every month, the current Community Health Workers from each participating NGO in the Network visit the IIMC Headquarters. Their work records are monitored by members of IIMC HE & HP Unit, and any matters arising are discussed and considered. This monitoring exercise is followed by a group discussion about successful practices and they refill their kitbags with necessary medicines and equipment to distributing in their village areas.