Female Functional Literacy and Inter Sectoral Action In furtherance of its objective of supporting the vulnerable rural poor communities to improve their health status and livelihoods, WHO supported the Department of Community Development in November to organize a joint programme for the commissioning of a corn-mill and a two-day health workshop for women leaders in the Hodzo cluster of villages in the Volta region.

With seed money of US $ 3,000, WHO had earlier supported the women in the village of Alavanyo to purchase the corn mill with the aim of saving the women and children from walking long distances to mill their corn-a staple food; as well as serve as income generating venture for the community.

The aim of the training (TOT) was to upgrade the knowledge and skills of twenty women leaders in health issues to train their group members in the various communities. Some of the topical health issues discussed included Nutrition, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, Family Planning and Girl Child Education.

It was therefore with joy that the whole of Alavanyo community of about 150 people with their chief, queen mother, elders, opinion leaders, men, women and children and some neighbors from nearby communities gathered to witness the launching ceremony.

In attendance were the Ho District Coordinating Director, the Regional Director for the Department of Community Development and staff, representatives from the Head Office, collaborating agencies of Health and agriculture and the media. The World Health Organization was represented by the Health Information and Promotion Officer.

This support forms part of the WHO Project, "Promoting Health Through Functional Literacy and Intesectoral Action" which started in 1988 and being implemented in the Akplabanya cluster of villages in the Dangbe East District of the Greater Accra Region and the Hodzo cluster of villages in the Ho District of the Volta Region.

Over the years, a lot has been achieved in terms of health improvement; eradication of guinea worm, provision of potable water to some communities and increased attendance to maternal and child health clinics.