Concept of Public Health: What Kenyans Ought to Understand

By Thomas Opiyo Okumu

In Kenya, there is a substantial percentage of population that does not entirely understand the concept of public health.

This lack of understanding can be attributed to various factors such as limited access to information, inadequate education on public health matters, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic inequalities.

 Public health encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at promoting and protecting the health of communities through preventive measures, health education, disease control, and ensuring access to healthcare services.

Why are these factors very important?

▪︎Access to information:

Access to information plays a crucial role in educating Kenyans about public health.

When individuals have access to accurate and reliable information, they are better equipped to understand the concepts, principles, and practices related to public health.

This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, as well as that of their communities.

▪︎Adequate education on public health matters:

 Education plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs regarding various aspects of public health.

For instance, it can influence people’s decisions regarding vaccination, hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyles.

Moreover, an educated populace is better equipped to advocate for policies that prioritize public health and hold their governments accountable for providing necessary services.

 ▪︎Cultural Beliefs:

In Kenya, cultural beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviours towards public health.

These beliefs are deeply rooted in the country’s rich history, traditions, and social structures. One notable example of cultural influences on public health in Kenya is the belief in traditional healing practices.

According to a study published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, traditional healers are often consulted before modern medical services for various health concerns. 

This preference for traditional healing can lead to delays in seeking appropriate medical care, which can exacerbate health issues or even be fatal in some cases.

Food taboos and dietary restrictions based on cultural beliefs can limit access to essential nutrients and contribute to malnutrition.

For instance, some communities may avoid consuming certain foods due to religious or ethnic reasons, leading to nutrient deficiencies.

Public health illustration/ Courtesy 

Moreover, cultural beliefs can also influence health-seeking behaviors related to infectious diseases. For example, stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has been shown to prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment. 

Similarly, beliefs about the causes and transmission of tuberculosis can hinder efforts to control its spread.

▪︎Socioeconomic inequalities:

In Kenya, poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) are major determinants of poor health outcomes.

By promoting awareness and education about public health concepts among Kenyans from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, efforts can be made to reduce disparities and improve overall population health.

For instance, people living in poverty often can not afford essential healthcare services or nutritious food, making them more susceptible to preventable diseases.

Socioeconomic disparities, therefore, impact educational opportunities related to public health. This lack of education can limit people’s understanding of public health issues and the ability to contribute meaningfully to addressing these challenges at both individual and community levels.

Socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence and distribution of various public health issues in Kenya. For example, poverty is linked to increased rates of malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

To address these challenges and improve the understanding of public health among Kenyans, it is essential to invest in comprehensive education programs that target different segments of society.

These programs should be culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and accessible to all individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Additionally, engaging community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers in promoting public health awareness can help bridge the gap in understanding and encourage positive health behaviors among the population.

About the Author: Thomas Opiyo Okumu is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Heart to Action Organization.

 He also serves as the President of Global Empowerment Christian Center and the Executive Director of Eltofam Foundation.

He holds a Bachelor of Development Studies from Mount Kenya University, Kenya and a Master of Arts in International Development Studies (with concentration on Development and Health) from Ohio University, USA.

He can be reached at opiyothomas@gmail.com