Community-based initiatives and their relation to poverty reduction and health development: experiences in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Human development does not depend simply on national income; it goes far beyond that. It is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests... Development is thus about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value [7], In order to have more choices requires building human capabilities, i.e. the things that people can do or be in life. The most basic capabilities for human development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community [7].