IHO Philosophy

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A Villager using an IHO installed pump and deep water well

An integrated, holistic approach to improved health: Since 1992, IHO has advocated, developed and implemented health programs that are closely integrated with rural community development programs. IHO believes that the serious health problems experienced by disenfranchised people in rural communities derive from and are often perpetuated by their poverty and environmental conditions. As a result, isolated attempts to treat diseases from a health perspective alone or to improve only certain aspects of their health will not be successful over time unless there are parallel improvements in the economic and environmental conditions which perpetuate the cycle of poor health, impoverishment and premature death by preventable diseases.

As a result, while IHO helps people through its public health programs, it simultaneously helps communities by improving their environmental and economic health as well. This philosophy forms the basis of IHO’s integrated and holistic health programs.

Disease prevention through access to local healthcare:  IHO does NOT focus upon treatment of diseases; instead, its major emphasis is upon the prevention of disease by increasing access to existing local healthcare.

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