THE ROLE OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE IN PREVENTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES: A REVIEW OF VACCINATION AND HYGIENE PRACTICES

Abstract

Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases, primarily through vaccination and hygiene practices. Vaccination programs are central to primary healthcare initiatives, offering a proven method for controlling disease outbreaks and reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of infectious diseases. These programs not only help eradicate diseases like smallpox and control polio but are also pivotal in managing responses to emergent health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving high vaccination coverage is essential for establishing herd immunity and requires overcoming challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers in vaccine distribution. This review examines the interplay between vaccination and hygiene practices within the framework of primary healthcare, discussing their impact on disease prevention and the inherent challenges in their implementation. By addressing these barriers and enhancing the capacity of primary healthcare, communities can better manage and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, thereby improving public health outcomes globally. Hygiene education complements vaccination by teaching essential practices such as handwashing, proper sanitation, and safe food handling, which significantly reduce the transmission of infectious agents. Effective hygiene practices are particularly impactful when integrated into community-wide public health strategies, often leading to substantial decreases in respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. These educational initiatives are most successful when they are culturally tailored and include community engagement to ensure wide acceptance and sustained practice. However, the implementation of these health measures faces various challenges. Funding limitations, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and sociocultural resistance can impede the effectiveness of primary healthcare services. Additionally, disparities in resource allocation and infrastructure between urban and rural areas exacerbate these challenges, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to ensure equitable healthcare access.