“Evidence based interventions are the cornerstone of sustainable communicable disease control in an interconnected world. Global health action has the power to save lives, close inequities, and change the course of disease.”
1. Can you introduce your research and explain the significance of the research in the current context?
I’m delighted to provide an insight into “Transforming Global Health: Evidence-Based Interventions and Strategies for Communicable Disease Control.” This is a narrative review article published in the Journal of Communicable Diseases in 2025. The research has been selected due to the high public health significance of the subject. Communicable diseases are one of the most common causes of death in the world, and the postpandemic era has clearly shown the weaknesses in the strengthening of the healthcare system, particularly in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has clearly demonstrated the rising significance of innovation and technology in the control of diseases, while the role of equity and social determinants in the control of diseases cannot be ignored, as factors such as living conditions, sanitation, education, etc., are very important in the control of diseases.
2. What methodology have you used, and what are the main areas of focus in the study?
The methodology adopted is the narrative review method, as it is flexible and enables the integration and synthesis of diverse forms and types of evidence, including policies, community-based studies, and implementation studies. The focus areas are health system and community interventions, digital innovations, and surveillance systems. The diseases have been classified as airborne, vector-borne, waterborne, zoonotic, sexually transmitted, and other infectious diseases. Communicable diseases are transmitted through various routes, including person-to-person contact, air, water, food, animals, vectors, and contaminated surfaces.
The methods adopted to control the spread of diseases are vaccination, hygiene, sanitation, ventilation, and medical care. The concept of “One Health” is also emphasised, as it is an integrated approach to the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment. The public health infrastructure and capacity developed by governments are also important, along with community engagement and monitoring.
3. What is the global burden of communicable diseases and how effective are vaccines?
Communicable diseases continue to present a considerable global burden that results in the deaths of millions of people annually, especially in developing nations. In Australia, while the burden of these diseases is relatively lower as compared to other places, communicable diseases continue to be a public health issue. There are more than 70 types of infectious diseases, including flu, coronavirus, tuberculosis, STIs, and vaccinepreventable diseases, which are currently being monitored through national surveillance systems.
Vaccines have been quite instrumental in reducing this burden. Millions of people have been saved from deaths through vaccines that protect against deadly diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and diphtheria. Countries with good vaccination programmes, such as Australia, have been successful in greatly reducing cases of vaccine-preventable diseases and controlling epidemics of some diseases. In addition, vaccination programmes are also quite instrumental when it comes to controlling newly discovered diseases such as the coronavirus.
4. What are the key interventions for airborne disease control?
The major focus for the control and prevention of airborne diseases is ventilation, as this is one of the major factors that help reduce the spread of airborne infections. Along with ventilation, the use of masks and maintaining hygiene is also important. It is also important to focus on the use of vaccines and surveillance systems, and to ensure isolation is implemented effectively, especially for outbreaks.
There are various studies that have shown positive results for the implementation of infection control measures such as infection control training, including proper methods for collecting sputum samples and the use of N95 masks. The use of a portable air cleaner, especially near infection sources, is also important for reducing airborne infection, especially for people living in urban areas. Advanced methods such as computational fluid dynamics and airborne virus detection are also important for improving ventilation system maintenance.
The use of digital adherence technologies such as SMS reminders and electronic medication monitoring, including community health workers, is also important for improving the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
5. How are vector borne diseases managed through evidence-based strategies?
The management of vector borne diseases includes the management of vectors and environmental conditions. The removal of breeding places of mosquitoes and changing environmental conditions also help in reducing habitats and managing vector borne diseases. Chemical control methods like IRS and biological control methods like larvivorous fish are also effective in managing vectors.
Studies have proved the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in identifying patterns and vectors, thus predicting epidemics and effectively managing diseases. Multiplex Real Time RT-PCR has also been effectively used in identifying co-infections and effectively managing diseases. Various prevention methods, such as the use of nets, repellents, and improved housing, have also been effective in reducing malaria.
Community engagement and education also play a vital role in effectively managing diseases, and community engagement and education are effectively carried out through these methods.
6. What approaches are used in waterborne and foodborne disease control?
In terms of controlling water and food-borne diseases, strategies for safety, prevention, and surveillance exist. Nevertheless, approaches vary from one setting (developed and developing countries) to another.
Regarding water-borne diseases, the important strategies include ensuring that people can drink safe water (frequent filtering and purification of water through chlorination and ultraviolet treatment), sanitation and hygiene practices, etc. While the focus in the case of developing countries is on ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, the emphasis in developed countries is on advanced technologies and regulations to make sure water is consistently safe for consumption. Another strategy employed is vaccination (cholera, typhoid).
In terms of controlling food-borne diseases, food safety is very critical. Training and awareness of food safety are typical in developing countries, while developed countries employ laws and advanced technologies to maintain food safety.
Thus, although the principles for controlling water and food-borne diseases may be similar, the difference exists.
7. What is the role of zoonotic disease control and community engagement in public health?
Zoonotic disease control is based on the concept of the One Health approach, where the human, animal, and environmental sectors are integrated. Veterinary surveillance, early detection of zoonotic diseases in wildlife, vaccination, and quarantine are important aspects of zoonotic disease control. Animal husbandry, control of the animal trade, and regular veterinary check-ups are important in reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases.
Strategic planning is facilitated through the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization process, while other important strategies are the implementation of rabies elimination programs, which have been very effective, and the use of digital surveillance technologies, such as the use of mobile applications to enable data sharing and quick reporting.
Community engagement is important in all the strategies to control zoonotic diseases. Community health workers are important in the control and prevention of zoonotic diseases, while social and behaviour change communication is important in public health, and the use of digital technologies and community engagement is important in zoonotic disease control.
8. What is the future of communicable disease control with digital health and AI?
The study emphasises the importance of developing an adaptive approach to communicable disease control. Enhancing and developing a robust surveillance system are critical, and community-based interventions, especially those implemented by community health workers, are important.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has tremendous potential in communicable disease control. AI-based predictive analysis has tremendous potential in identifying communicable diseases and forecasting them. Data from wearable devices, sensors, and other digital technologies, along with advanced analytical models, can be used to predict trends and aid in decision-making.
However, digital health tools and technologies must be developed through a community-centered approach, considering community behaviour and norms, to improve the effectiveness and acceptability of digital health tools and technologies. Community-based approaches can improve community engagement and participation, and community members can take ownership of communicable disease control and management.