Community engagement : Essential for all community Child Survival programs?

Using examples from three successful projects he has recently evaluated in Cambodia, Mozambique and Benin, and recently published evidence-based literature, the presenter proposes to address the above question.  In Cambodia child and maternal nutrition (including the Hearth Approach) and other integrated MCH activities were the focus; in Mozambique, an integrated project was implemented in which Community Health Councils had a key role. In Benin the project focused on iCCM with community participation contributing to success. There are also many other successful approaches to community engagement/participation- such as Care Groups. Has not the time come that we should advocate that a strong rather than token emphasis on community participation be considered essential to maximize the effectiveness of community projects?  The presentation will not be an exhaustive presentation of all aspects of these projects- or community engagement in general- but rather present evidence relevant to the proposed question to stimulate ongoing discussion and change.