12.5.2  Resource needs assessment

A resource needs assessment identifies the resources needed to tackle the identified health problems in your community. You should consider whether there is a lack of resources or materials that is preventing the community from practising healthy behaviours. For example, a mother may have good knowledge about malaria and its prevention methods, and want to use Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (ITNs). However, if ITNs are not available, it may not be possible for her to avoid malaria. Therefore, a bed net is a resource which is required to bring about behaviour change. Similarly, a woman may intend to use contraception. However, if contraceptive services are not available in her locality, she remains at risk of unplanned pregnancies. In order to facilitate behaviour change, you should identify ways of addressing this lack of contraceptive resources.

Be aware too that education is in itself one of the great resources you can call on. An education needs assessment should also be part of you plan.