Primary prevention
Within the framework of field epidemiology, primary prevention plays a vital role in averting the onset of communicable diseases and reducing their overall impact on public health.[1][2]
Key strategies in primary prevention include immunisation programs, which protect populations from infectious agents such as measles, polio, and influenza through vaccination.[3] Health education and promotion campaigns—such as handwashing initiatives and safe food handling practices—encourage behaviours that reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Vector control measures, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and environmental source reduction, help limit the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Environmental interventions, such as improving access to clean water and sanitation, also play a critical role by reducing exposure to disease-causing pathogens.
Through these proactive efforts, field epidemiologists contribute to building resilient communities and establishing a strong foundation for communicable disease prevention.
References
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, 3rd ed. Lesson 3: Measures of Risk. https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson3/section2.html
- ↑ This text was written by ChatGPT4.0 on 26 March 2023 and reviewed by Arnold Bosman.
- ↑ World Health Organisation. (2023). Immunisation coverage. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage