Book excerpt: Improvements in health cannot be achieved in isolation as they require an integrated, multisectorial development approach. The WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has introduced the following community-based initiatives: basic development needs approach; healthy villages programme; healthy cities programme; women in health and development. These community-based initiatives have provided a stimulus for health and human development. This training manual provides material to help develop trainers; update the knowledge of field managers; and reinforce leadership and management skills.