Which of the 10 essential services is about mobilizing community partnerships to address health problems?

• A. Mobilize community partnerships
• B. Diagnose and investigate
• C. Enforce laws
• D. Link to/provide care

Answer: (A)

Building and sustaining partnerships across communities is essential in public health because many health problems stem from interconnected factors beyond any one sector. Mobilizing community partnerships means bringing together public health agencies, healthcare providers, schools, local organizations, businesses, faith groups, and residents to identify health problems, set priorities, plan actions, and coordinate resources. This collaborative approach ensures interventions are grounded in real needs, culturally appropriate, and have broad ownership, which increases effectiveness and sustainability. That’s why this service is the best fit for addressing health problems through collective action. Other services focus on identifying problems through surveillance, informing and empowering individuals, enforcing regulations, or linking people to care, rather than the concerted partnership-building itself.