CHC Overview & History

The Community Health Cell (CHC) grew out of a study reflection-action project which started in Bangalore in 1984. The experimental phase of the project was supported by the Center for Non-Formal and Continuing Education, Bangalore, till 1990. In June 1990, the project was reviewed and the Society for Community Health Awareness, Research and Action (SOCHARA) was established and registered. The Community Health Cell became its functional unit.

Promoting community health based on the social paradigm, through policy action, training, mainstreaming, networking and the people’s health movement continues to be CHC’s core thrust. CHC recognizes that peoples’ health is deeply influenced by determinants that are deeply embedded in the social, political, economic, cultural and ecological fabric of life. Synergies of global and local action are necessary to influence these in a positive direction. This understanding led CHC to a substantial involvement in the People’s Health Movement from local to global level during the past seven years.