Primary Healthcare strategies and effectiveness

Barefoot Doctors

local people trained in basic first aid medical care. for example, providing families with advice on birth control, vaccinations and basic hygiene.

they can then refer people to local health care centres/hospitals if needed

Barefoot doctors effectiveness

individuals were chosen by each village to be trained to a basic level of health care and so are fully trusted by the community.

too few health workers trained to supply all the local communities.

Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)

A salt, sugar, and water solution used to combat dehydration, particularly for individuals suffering from diarrhea

ORT effectiveness

it is an easy cheap and effective method and it can be administered by untrained staff.

the WHO estimates that 1 million babies lives are saved each year from this.

Vaccination Programmes

vaccination programmes have been set up for preventable diseases e.g. UNICEF set up polio, measles, and cholera vaccinations

they are delivered to rural areas as it is more difficult to access healthcare here

vaccination programmes effectiveness

vaccination programmes are estimated by the WHO to save between 2 and 3 million lives every year

Talks on Health Education

talks on health education are given in schools and groups put on plays and sing songs. for example, education on health issues such as HIV and importance of hand washing (songs for sanitation)

talks on health education effectiveness

this is suitable as some people are illiterate in developing countries

Playpumps

play pumps international provide roundabouts which extract ground water

Playpumps effectiveness

they are easy to operate and costs of maintenance is minimal

Clean Water Supplies

charities such as water aid improve water and sanitation by installing pit latrines

clean water supplies effectiveness

the number of people without access to improved drinking water has decreased

however, maintenance is required and sometimes local people do not have the skills.