During the implementation of the project ‘Active involvement of communities in promoting healthy lifestyle habits’ (No. LL-00167), which was funded by the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme, two important instruments were developed: a public health monitoring methodology and a communication tool-kit for engaging the population.
These were prepared in cooperation between the Akmenė District Municipality Public Health Office and the Daugavpils Municipality, with the active involvement of specialists in health, education, sports, and other fields. This ensured that the prepared tools are practical and applicable in everyday activities.
Public Health Monitoring Methodology: a systematic approach to community health
The methodology provides a clear and consistent way to collect and analyse health data. Using regular surveys, it helps to detect emerging health problems in a timely manner, identify risk groups, and track changes in health indicators over the long term. Such regular public health monitoring is essential for making data-based decisions in health policy and for planning targeted preventive programmes where they are most needed and assessing the effectiveness of actions. This is particularly important for smaller municipalities that must manage limited resources effectively.
Implementing the methodology strengthens intersectoral cooperation, coordinates activities between health, education, social security and other sectors, and promotes the exchange of information and experience between partners.
A communication toolkit for population engagement: bridging the gap between specialists and the community
The communication toolkit is a practical instrument that helps specialists to communicate effectively with various community groups. This document discusses communication strategies and tools to help reach different demographic groups, adapt messages according to age, education, and social context, use the most appropriate communication channels for each audience, and create inclusive, understandable health messages.
One of the main goals of the toolkit is to encourage residents to actively participate in health promotion activities. The measures motivate community members to participate in prevention programmes, create a sense of community and shared responsibility for health, engage hard-to-reach groups, and empower residents to become their own health ambassadors.
Benefits for professionals and communities
Both documents will be integrated into the daily work of public health professionals in the Akmenė district and the Daugavpils municipality, and will be transferred to other institutions in Latvia and Lithuania. This will ensure uniform, high-quality practice in both countries.
It is expected that the new documents will contribute significantly to improving community health: better monitoring will enable problems to be responded to more quickly, and more effective communication will reach and encourage more residents to choose a healthier lifestyle.
