Health Promotion

Health promotion entails empowering individuals and communities to enhance their control over their health and overall well-being, thus improving health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2024). It suggests a notion broader than traditional healthcare interventions, encompassing social and environmental determinants of health (World Health Organization, 2024). Well-being, comprising psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of an individual's quality of life, is significantly influenced by various factors. Engaging in health promotion activities such as regular exercise, adopting healthy dietary habits, and attending routine check-ups can enhance physical health. Similarly, mental health promotion endeavors, like stress management techniques, can positively impact overall well-being. By embracing a health promotion approach and participating in activities targeting well-being, individuals can contribute to their overall wellness (Sibeudu, 2022).

Most child fatalities stem from rotavirus diseases, primarily characterized by severe watery diarrhea. The NHS Vaccination Program for children offers a spectrum of vaccines aimed at safeguarding against various infectious diseases. This initiative ensures that children receive vaccinations such as rotavirus and diphtheria from birth, adhering to the recommended schedule, thereby promoting their well-being and curbing the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. These immunizations commence at birth as infants are particularly susceptible to infections (NHS England, 2023). The efficacy of vaccination programs is anticipated to persist, with an estimated further 32 million deaths averted by 2030 (including 28 million under-5 deaths) if progress remains steady. According to the London Imperial College (2021), vaccines have already saved the lives of 36 million children under 5, with an additional 28 million projected to be saved by 2030.

Child Health Clinics, commonly managed by local health authorities or NHS trusts, provide a convenient and accessible venue for parents to bring their children for vaccinations, coupled with offering information and assistance regarding immunization. Parents and guardians can avail themselves of these services through their local general practitioners (GP) surgery or school-based immunization programs (NHS England, 2023).

 

According to data from Public Health England (PHE), there has been a decline in vaccination rates in recent years. In 2022, the proportion of children receiving the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine by their second birthday fell below the target of 95% recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), potentially leading to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (NHS, 2022). The NHS Vaccination program offers comprehensive vaccination services for children, free of charge, targeting infants, children, adolescents, and their parents or caregivers seeking immunization and healthcare services. These services are typically provided in community health centers and primary care facilities within the local area (NHS, 2022).

Efforts to promote health by increasing immunization rates have resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases among vaccinated children compared to those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. For instance, diseases such as measles have experienced a decline in incidence rates following vaccination campaigns (NHS, 2022). Cost-saving interventions demonstrate that for every £1 invested in child immunization, there is an approximate return of £16 in economic and social benefits. These benefits encompass savings in healthcare expenses, enhanced productivity, and improvements in quality of life (Baguelin et al., 2010). Moreover, the benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual health to social well-being, as immunization programs contribute to enhancing health span by averting serious illnesses, disabilities, and premature death (CDC, 2019).

Criticism of child immunization often revolves around vaccine hesitancy, with some parents and caregivers expressing concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, leading to hesitancy or refusal to vaccinate their children. This reluctance can be influenced by misinformation and fear of potential side effects (World Health Organization, 2019).

Partnerships refer to individuals or organizations actively involved in promoting and supporting efforts aimed at healthy outcomes. These partnerships involve collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve common goals, foster mutual respect, and build trust. For instance, to promote child immunization, the National Health Service (NHS) collaborates with Public Health England (PHE), local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure vaccine availability and raise awareness about immunization (Gov UK, 2023).

Health promotion can be approached through various methods, including medical, empowerment, behavioral change, and educational strategies. The medical approach emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion through medical interventions. Healthcare professionals play a key role in advising patients to adhere to their treatment plans. However, there is often a tendency for individuals to prioritize treatment over prevention, neglecting the underlying causes of health issues.

The empowerment approach involves assisting individuals in taking ownership of their health, making informed decisions, solving problems, and engaging in health-related activities. A behavioral approach aims to modify health behaviors and encourage the adoption of positive lifestyle choices through counseling and the promotion of healthy habits. On the other hand, the educational approach focuses on providing information, raising awareness, and enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their health (World Health Organization, 1986).

In summary, health promotion plays a crucial role in preventing illness, addressing social factors to reduce health inequalities, enhancing overall quality of life, and empowering individuals and communities to actively manage their health and well-being (World Health Organization, 2022).

REFERENCES

Campaign Resource Centre. (2024). Better Health Start for Life Home Learning Environment 2024. [online] Available at: https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/better-health-start-for-life/better-health-start-for-life-home-learning-environment-2024/ [Accessed 24 Feb. 2024].

GOV.UK. (2024). Supporting immunisation programmes. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/supporting-immunisation-programmes.

NHS (2019). NHS Vaccinations and When to Have Them. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/NHS-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/.

NHS Choices (2019). Vaccinations. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/.

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Powell, M. (2023). Promoting vaccination: the right approach for the right group. [online] NIHR Evidence. Available at: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/collection/promoting-vaccination-the-right-approach-for-the-right-group/.

SCW (n.d.). Child Health Information Services (CHIS). [online] NHS SCW Support and Transformation for Health and Care. Available at: https://www.scwcsu.nhs.uk/services/child-health-information-services-chis.

Website (2023). Immunisation Services. [online] Website. Available at: https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/immunisation-services/.

World Health Organization (1986). First international conference on health promotion, ottawa, 21 november 1986. [online] World Health Organisation. Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/first-global-conference.

World Health Organization (2022). Health Promotion. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-work/programmes/health-promotion#:~:text=Health%20promotion%20is%20the%20process.