| The author describes the two potential roles of the individual in health - his responsibility for his own and his family's health, and his responsibility toward the community for the development of health programmes within it. He also distinguishes between the rates at which a rural individual in the USA and a villager in a developing country will adopt new health practices in view of their differing social circumstances. Although the former may respond to health messages broadcast over the media and through school education programmes, the latter needs health development to be closely coordinated with other social and economic development plans. Large international agencies can contribute greatly to development, but the author believes that a social scientist is needed to help overcome cultural barriers in primitive societies. As for the influence of the rural individual on community health programmes, the qualifications necessary for effective leadership - willingness to acquire knowledge, unselfish motivation, ability to influence others, readiness to seek professional guidance - are unlikely to be found in an individual member of a primitive village. In such a community, any attempt to introduce modern health procedures will fail unless preceded by years of preparation or perhaps the dramatic eradication of a disease by visiting medical personnel. The author believes, therefore, the best potential for rural health improvement in most areas of the world rests with the local ministries of health, given the consultation and guidance of the world's experts available through international organizations. |