The Waterkeyns then revamped Africa AHEAD Association based out of Cape Town which is an active group of experienced CHC practitioners involved in the research and training for the dissemination of the Community Health Club Approach.
Over time, the 'common unity' is built, and this functional community then begin to focus on the many ways they can improve their health typically through construction and use of hygienic latrine, hand washing facilities, as well as ensuring a safe environment for children.
The 1st stage of the process is a six-month period of weekly dialogue sessions on health issues which affect them and ways to control disease through preventative means.
This leads to increased self-confidence and sustainable livelihoods as women run income-generation businesses enable the community to improve its health and hygiene situation, as well as supporting other vulnerable families in the neighbourhood.
Africa AHEAD has been the key mover behind the introduction of Community Health Clubs into other countries through other NGOs: Sierra Leone (CARE International, 2002), Uganda (Care International, 2003), South Africa (Government, 2005; IWRM, Danida 2010), Guinea Bissau (Effective Interventions, 2008), Vietnam (Government/Danida, 2010), Rwanda (Government/UNICEF/WSP, 2010), Namibia (ISOE, 2013) DR Congo (Tear Fund, 2015).
It is estimated that by 2015, over 3000 CHCs with over 250,000 members, and 1,542,000 beneficiaries with improved living standards [1] could be attributed to consultancies for these NGOs by Juliet and Anthony Waterkeyn and their teams.
[2] The CHC concept differs from traditional aid approaches that are heavily input-based and has led to a number of articles in development journals.