Bamboo method: Promoting health in Brazilian's northeast communities

Issues: This abstract presents a method developed trough collaborative project involving technical exchanges between Brazil and Japan. Coordinated  by the Pernambuco Federal University (UFPE), and  by Pernambuco Planning Department (CONDEPE-FIDEM) and  JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency). This method was conceived by researchers, teachers, students, decision makers and leaders of the five poor cities.
Description:  A: continuous formation to a heterogeneous local public feeds the method.. This method has a structure based in three levels (micro, meso and macro) and in the continuous integration of the research, formation, practice and the development of healthy public policies. The model developed was conceived based on the local reality. This experience has been reinforcing that the local population must adopt proactive behaviors, promote integrate actions with the decision makers and promote local sustainable development. A permanent local for articulation and healthy public policy promotion was created in each city.
Lessons Learned: The health promotion initiatives are complex interventions that consider different levels and approaches and these levels must be integrated. Life styles, healthy behaviors, participatory and intersetorial administration and development model are linked to promote socio-technical networks, partnerships, social capital development and life quality improvement. The Bamboo method has tried, with softness and flexibility to reach that challenge.