role of primary health care in endemic disease control at Khorshed health unit

ABSTRACT

A limited field study was conducted in a rural health unit near Alexandria in order to assess the role of primary health care in control of endemic parasitic diseases. Retrospective study of records as well as assessment of equipment and supplies were performed. Also 50% of households amounting for 290 persons in a small village served by the study unit were subjected to a questionnaire survey and intestinal parasitic diseases investigation. The results of the study revealed low utilization rate and inadequate reporting system concerning the control of endemic parasitoses. The study revealed high rates of Helminthes as well as pathogenic protozoa. Also it revealed an increasing health problem namely Fascioliasis. The study also showed the incomplete knowledge of the public about parasitic infections, partial acceptance and incorrect practices towards control measures. Conclusively it appears that control of parasitic diseases should be implemented by strengthening the primary health care concepts aiming firstly to inform, motivate and encourage the community to share in improving their own health and to make control activities a success. Secondly strengthening of the share of health and other sectors in control services through, proper sanitation, antipoverty measures and a national program of health education to support all the control measures and to stimulate community confidence and self-reliance in control of parasitic infections