6- problems of controlling endemic diseases

Question 1

why is controlling endemic diseases very difficult

Answer 1

• The disease is often widespread.
• It is difficult to remove all sources of infection.
• It is expensive to provide treatment.

Question 2

control methods for endemic diseases

Answer 2

• Preventing mosquito bites:
- Insect repellent.
- Mosquito nets with insecticides.
- Screens on doors or windows.
- Clothing to cover skin.
• Controlling mosquito numbers:
- Avoid standing water and sewage.
- Use water treatment to kill larvae.
- Biological control by introducing predators.

Question 3

implications of control methods

Answer 3

• social implications
• economic implications
• ethical implications

Question 4

implications of control methods- social

Answer 4

• Vaccines need to become accepted.
• Social changes to reduce infection are difficult to bring about.

Question 5

implications of control methods- economic

Answer 5

Treatment, control and prevention of endemic diseases is very expensive.

Question 6

implications of control methods- ethical

Answer 6

• Obtaining informed consent may be difficult.
• Spraying mosquitoes with insecticides will affect other organisms.
• Money spent on vaccines could instead be spent on education or preventing famine.

Question 7

role of the scientific community in validating control methods:

Answer 7

• Research and development
→ Scientists develop and test new interventions, such as drugs, vaccines, and vector control strategies.
• Evaluation → Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of intervention effectiveness is crucial.
• Collaboration → Scientists work with public health officials, governments, and communities to implement and evaluate interventions.
• Communication → Scientists have a responsibility to communicate their findings to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders.