Factors in Controlling Diseases Globally

Understanding and application of basic hygiene practices: Cleanliness and sanitation stop many infectious diseases from spreading. Frequent hand washing, clean water supply, disposal of waste and providing hygiene education are commonly the first line of defense against disease transmission.
Immunization Programmes: Vaccinating individuals, particularly children, against diseases provides a strong line of defense in a community. This concept is known as herd immunity, where if enough people are immune, an outbreak is less likely to occur.
Surveillance and monitoring of diseases: The World Health Organisation collects data on disease prevalence and distributes this information globally. This knowledge allows countries to prepare for possible outbreaks and implement appropriate health measures.
Containment of diseases: Quarantine measures or travel restrictions are often used to restrict the movement of people who may have come into contact with infectious diseases.
Treatment strategies: This can include dispensing of appropriate medicines, surgery if needed, or other medical interventions such as blood transfusions. In many cases, early detection and treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
Research and Development: Developing and improving vaccines and treatments, and researching how diseases spread are crucial in controlling diseases. This includes understanding of the microbes causing the disease, such as bacteria, virus or fungus.
Development of public health infrastructure: Including hospitals, health centers, labs for disease testing, trained healthcare workers are necessary elements in a system that can respond to disease outbreaks.
Site specific controls: Depending on the disease and the area of the world, specific disease control methods may be more effective. For example, mosquito net distribution and pesticide application are often used in areas where malaria is prevalent.
Role of non-profits and NGOs: Non-governmental organizations often work alongside government and global health organizations, providing funds, resources, or specialized expertise.
Nutrition and Health Education: Good nutrition strengthens immune systems and increased understanding about how diseases spread can empower individuals and communities to take proactive steps in preventing disease transmission.
Health Policies: The formulation of strategies and guidelines that govern how different diseases are handled are essential. These policies need to be properly implemented and enforced for them to be effective.
International Cooperation: Diseases do not respect geopolitical boundaries. Global health is a global responsibility, thus international cooperation is vital.