This guide explores the benefits of introducing community development health programmes. Using a community-oriented primary care approach (COPC), the guide explains how to use resources more effectively, set health goals and health programmes linked to local needs, identify those who most need health care, and support people's desire to take more responsibility for their own well-being. COPC aims to promote better health through the early identification of problems. This approach uses resources to greater effect by offering interventions to promote health and prevent further illness.