Innovative approaches on emerging diseases

Every nook of the world is being affected by laxities in health management and the preventable diseases that have consequently emerged. These diseases, though not necessarily new worldwide, are occurring in certain demographic groups like never before. The scourge of tuberculosis, for example, has escalated secondary to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The global economic crisis and the dearth of human health resources have contributed to the dichotomy of malnutrition as both over- and undernutrition in both developed and developing countries. For decades, public health advocates have had relative success in tackling these diseases at all levels of prevention. We ought not abandon this age-old yet time-honoured methodology in search of revolutionary innovations, but rather recognize the shortfalls of each approach and adapt our efforts according to the social, cultural, economic and political climate of the early decades of the 21st century. Since most of the diseases ravaging the world are preventable, we should be encouraged that their burden can be decreased or even eradicated over time. Education is arguably the most effective and easiest means of primary prevention. This must begin early, and be inventive, continual and far-reaching. Governments and schools must rank and facilitate health education as of equal economic importance as the traditional sciences, arts and sports, acknowledging health as a human right. We must also take an unencumbered approach of meeting people where they are. Harmonizing academic training with health education at places like ports or markets exposes a diverse group of people to healthcare concepts. In so doing, we must also foster a culture of charity among peoples, encouraging them to share their knowledge with their peers. This convenient and frugal medium has worked for successful immunizations campaigns combating polio and smallpox. Additionally, giving people competency in basic health principles will help alleviate the human resource crisis.