Using Social Media to tackle the threats to Global Health: Weak Primary Health Care

The World Health Organization (n.da) published an article on the threats to Global Health in 2019 which included air pollution and climate change, noncommunicable diseases, global influenza pandemic, fragile and vulnerable settings, antimicrobial resistance, ebola and other high-threat pathogens, weak primary health care, vaccine hesitancy, dengue, and HIV. Since then many other threats have emerged such as climate change-related disasters, the Ukraine conflict, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article will address how social media can be a tool in strengthening primary health care.

Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of any healthcare system and provides essential health services. The potential of primary health care in providing access to health is immense. The World Health Organization reported that Primary Health Care can meet 90% of a person’s health needs throughout their lifetime. However, many countries around the world struggle with weak primary healthcare systems, which can lead to preventable diseases, maternal and child mortality, and other public health challenges.

Social media initiatives can help strengthen primary health care. Social media platforms can be used to raise awareness about the importance of strong primary healthcare systems, the consequences of weak systems, and the steps needed for improvement. Testimonials, infographics, and videos can help inform the population of the importance of primary health care. A well-informed community will make better decisions concerning their health. Information about vaccination, disease outbreaks, and other health information can be shared on social media.?

Social media can be utilized to advocate for more infrastructure in primary health care. Advocacy groups and healthcare organizations can utilize social media platforms to build communities of like-minded individuals and activists. Hashtags, online petitions, and viral campaigns can amplify voices and put pressure on policymakers to prioritize healthcare reforms. When the reforms are implemented, social media can also be used to monitor and give feedback on the progress.

Weak primary healthcare systems often result in limited access to healthcare providers. This can be especially true in rural areas or developing countries, where there may be a shortage of doctors and other medical professionals. Social media can help to bridge this gap by providing a platform for telemedicine and remote consultations. This allows patients to connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere in the world, regardless of geographical barriers. This approach not only improves access to care but can also enhance the overall quality of care by providing patients with access to a wider range of specialists and resources.

Conclusion

Weak primary healthcare systems pose a significant threat to global health, but the potential of social media to address these challenges is immense. By harnessing the power of online platforms for awareness, advocacy, knowledge sharing, and telemedicine, we can work collectively to strengthen primary healthcare systems worldwide.

References

World Health Organisation (n.da) Primary Health Care. Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/primary-health-care

World Health Organisation (n.db) Ten threats to global health in 2019, Available at:

https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019