Combating Communicable Diseases Through Health Education, By Hadiza Yusuf Ahmad

Communicable diseases are spread by invisible creatures, mainly viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens-via human contact, contaminated food or water, and insect bites.

The World Health Organization WHO highlighted Nigeria's heavy burden of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases NCDs. In 2019, these diseases accounted for an estimated 27 of deaths in the country as reported by WHO.

Similarly, in 2021, malaria alone was responsible for approximately 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths in Nigeria, making up nearly 27 of the global malaria burden. These statistics underscore the urgent need for a robust health education strategy to address these challenges effectively.

From the common flu to more severe illnesses like Ebola, these diseases disrupt lives and threaten communities. However, understanding how they spread with accompanying control measures is critical. Simple measures like regular handwashing, vaccinations, and maintaining clean water supplies form the backbone of prevention efforts.

Unfortunately, misinformation, mistrust, and stigma continue to hinder progress in the fight against communicable diseases. These obstacles call for collective action, prioritizing health education to foster awareness, build trust in medical interventions, and eliminate stigmatization.

Health education is a cornerstone in promoting preventive measures, raising awareness, and combating the stigma associated with communicable diseases. Over the years, various initiatives have demonstrated its impact in Nigeria. Campaigns through radio, community outreach, and free testing programs have reached rural areas, enlightening people about disease prevention and care.

For instance, health education has significantly reduced the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Today, many people living with HIV openly embrace their status without fear, thanks to sustained awareness efforts. Events like World AIDS Day and social media platforms have further encouraged openness, breaking down barriers and empowering individuals.

Similarly, initiatives targeting malaria, such as the Roll Back Malaria campaign, have made strides through the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs. Public health messages on the radio and in communities have reinforced preventive measures, saving countless lives.

In response to the Ebola outbreak that happened in 2020, targeted media campaigns educated Nigerians about precautionary measures, while the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of multifaceted health education strategies. Public service announcements, daily updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, and widespread vaccination campaigns helped mitigate the viruss impact.

Also, the eradication of polio in Nigeria was another success story, driven by nationwide immunization programs and persistent public education. Similarly, hepatitis awareness campaigns have enlightened communities about the different types of the disease, their causes, and preventive measures.

Despite these achievements, cultural beliefs and misinformation remain significant barriers, particularly in rural areas. Some communities rely solely on traditional remedies, delaying necessary medical interventions and exacerbating health issues.

It can be recalled that during the Ebola outbreak, rumors of saltwater as a cure led to harmful practices. Likewise, misconceptions about polio vaccines being a form of birth control deterred many parents from vaccinating their children.

The rapid spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated these challenges. Fears about vaccine safety, fueled by a lack of clear information, discouraged many from getting vaccinated. Limited access to newspapers, internet-connected devices, and radio programs in rural areas compounds this problem, leaving many without timely or accurate health information.

To ensure that no one is left behind, governments at all levels, especially at the grassroots, must prioritize health education. Monitoring and evaluation officers should be appointed to track program implementation, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.

For their part, Non-governmental organizations NGOs should collaborate with governments to reach underserved populations, providing comprehensive health education tailored to their needs.

Notwithstanding, community stakeholders also have a vital role to play. By partnering with NGOs and leveraging local knowledge, they can amplify health education efforts. Moreover, integrating health education into school curriculums can instill preventive practices in young people, shaping healthier communities in the long term.