By;
MAZLINDA MUSA
MNSc (UM),BNSc (Hons)(UKM), RN
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Optimizing on Primary Health Care in Developing Countries:
Communicable and Non-
Communicable Disease Control with the support of Health
Technology
Source: https://
Introduction
•
Primary Health Care (PHC) is a cornerstone of healthcare systems worldwide, but its
significance is particularly pronounced in
developing countries (WHO,2023) where access to healthcare is often limited.• In these regions, communicable and non-
communicable diseases pose significant health challenges.
•
However, with the advent of health
technology, there is a remarkable opportunity to optimize PHC for disease control
(Dehnavieh et al., 2015; Ghassemi &
The Significance of Primary Health Care:
•
PHC represents the first point of contact between individuals and the healthcare system.
•
It serves as the foundation for promoting health,
preventing diseases, and providing essential healthcare services.
•
In developing countries, where resources are constrained, PHC becomes even more critical (WHO,2023).
•
It ensures equitable access to healthcare services, making it a key driver for achieving Universal Health Coverage.
• It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Challenges in Developing Countries:
• Developing countries face unique healthcare challenges.
Communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to burden healthcare systems (Enkhmaa et al., 2021). .
• Simultaneously, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are on the rise due to changing lifestyles and diets (WHO,2023).
• Overburdened healthcare systems, lack of infrastructure, and limited healthcare workforce exacerbate these challenges (Volmink J., et.
al.,2005; Nkiruka, O.,2016)
Role of Health Technology in Communicable Disease Control
Telemedicine and Remote
Monitoring
Vaccination Programs:
Digital platforms aid
Epidemiological Surveillance
Health technology plays a pivotal role in optimizing PHC for
communicable disease control in developing countries.
Role of Health Technology in
Communicable Disease Control:
• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring:
Telemedicine solutions allow healthcare providers to reach remote areas,
providing timely diagnosis and treatment (Enkhmaa et al., 2021).
• Remote monitoring of patients with diseases like tuberculosis or HIV ensures better
adherence to treatment plans.
Role of Health Technology in
Communicable Disease Control:
• Epidemiological Surveillance:
Digital tools enable real-time disease surveillance, helping
authorities track and respond to disease outbreaks more effectively.
(Ribeiro,A.F., 2023).
• Mobile apps and data analytics assist in contact tracing during pandemics
Role of Health Technology in
Communicable Disease Control:
Vaccination Programs:
• Digital platforms aid in managing vaccination campaigns, ensuring
efficient vaccine distribution and monitoring coverage rates (Mirjana,
R.S.,2021)
Role of Health Technology in communicable Non-
Disease Control
mHealth Applications:
Mobile health applications
Electronic Health Records
(EHRs) Health
Information Systems
Health technology also offers significant benefits for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in developing countries.
Role of Health Technology in Non- communicable Disease Control:
• mHealth Applications: Mobile health applications help individuals monitor their health, track chronic conditions, and receive educational information on NCD prevention and management.
• mHealth serves as a promising tool to improve the healthcare delivery for non- communicable diseases (Maoyi Tian et.
al.,2020)
Role of Health Technology in Non- communicable Disease Control:
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs):
EHR systems facilitate better management of patient data,
allowing healthcare providers to
track NCD risk factors, monitor
treatment adherence, and tailor
interventions (Entzeridou, E., 2018)
Role of Health Technology in Non-communicable Disease Control:
• Health Information Systems:
Robust health information systems enable policymakers to assess the NCD burden, plan interventions, and
allocate resources effectively
(Yiyu Zhan et. al.,2023)
Challenges and Considerations:
While health technology holds immense promise, several challenges and considerations must be addressed:
•
Data Privacy and Security: Protecting sensitive patient data is crucial to prevent breaches and unauthorized access.
•
Interoperability: Ensuring different healthcare systems and devices can communicate and share data seamlessly.
•
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex healthcare regulations and obtaining necessary approvals for new technologies.
•
Adoption and User Acceptance: Encouraging healthcare professionals and patients to embrace and use new technologies effectively.
•
Cost and Funding: Developing and implementing health tech can be
expensive, and securing funding can be challenging.
Challenges and Considerations:
While health technology holds immense promise, several challenges and considerations must be addressed:
•
Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues related to AI, privacy, and decision-making in healthcare.
•
Clinical Validation: Demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of health tech through rigorous clinical trials.
•
Limited Access: Ensuring that advanced health technologies are accessible to underserved populations.
•
Resistance to Change: Overcoming resistance to technology-driven changes in healthcare practices.
•
Maintenance and Updates: Keeping technology up-to-date and
Conclusion:
• Optimizing PHC in developing countries for communicable and non- communicable diseases control through health technology is a
transformative strategy.
• It enhances access, improves disease surveillance, and empowers individuals to take charge of their health.
• To succeed, coordination efforts are required, including investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and data security.
• Ultimately, the integration of health technology into PHC not only enhances disease control but also paves the way for more equitable and efficient healthcare systems in developing countries.
• It represents a significant step towards achieving global health goals and improving the well-being of populations in need.
References
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• Enkhmaa, D., Munkhuu, B., Baatar, T., Purevsuren, J., Minjuur, E., Luuzanbadam, G., … & Enkhtur, S. (2021). Overview of telemedicine services in mongolia. Current Pediatrics Reports, 9(3), 77-82.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-021-00245-w
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