THE concept of alma mater — the “nourishing mother” — symbolizes institutions that shape not only intellect but also societal progress. Historically, centres of learning played a pivotal role in understanding and combating infectious diseases that once defined human survival. From early epidemics attributed to superstition to the scientific revolution of the 19th century, knowledge transformed public health. The work of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch established germ theory, leading to sanitation reforms and vaccination campaigns that dramatically reduced deaths from smallpox, cholera and tuberculosis.
Yet disease patterns have evolved. According to the World Health Organization, infectious diseases still account for roughly 25% of global deaths in low- and middle-income countries. Tuberculosis alone causes about 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide, while viral hepatitis affects more than 350 million people globally. Importantly, several infectious diseases now contribute directly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
For example, chronic infection with hepatitis B or C significantly increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; nearly 80% of primary liver cancers worldwide are linked to viral hepatitis. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for almost 95% of cervical cancer cases. Rheumatic heart disease — a chronic non-communicable condition — arises from untreated streptococcal throat infections. Similarly, untreated HIV infection can lead to chronic cardiovascular, renal and neurological complications, transforming an infectious disease into long-term non-communicable morbidity.
Delays in diagnosis and treatment are central to this transformation. Several factors contribute: Limited awareness and health literacy — Individuals may ignore early symptoms or lack knowledge about preventive vaccination and screening. Access barriers — Rural populations often face shortages of diagnostic facilities and trained healthcare providers. Social stigma — Diseases like hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis carry stigma, discouraging early testing.
Economic constraints — Out-of-pocket healthcare costs delay timely consultation. Weak screening systems — Inadequate integration of preventive services into primary healthcare results in missed early detection opportunities. Modern development further complicates the picture. Urbanization, environmental pollution, sedentary lifestyles and processed diets have accelerated the prevalence of NCDs. Today, NCDs account for approximately 74% of global deaths annually. Societies now face a dual burden: persisting infectious diseases and rapidly rising chronic conditions.
Education remains the bridge between past lessons and present solutions. Just as alma mater institutions once spearheaded sanitation reforms, they must now champion integrated health education — emphasizing vaccination, early screening, healthy lifestyles and timely treatment. School-based awareness programs, community outreach and strengthened primary healthcare systems can interrupt the progression from infection to chronic disease.
Early screening is particularly powerful. Hepatitis screening with antiviral therapy can reduce liver cancer risk by up to 70%. HPV vaccination and screening can prevent the vast majority of cervical cancers. Prompt treatment of streptococcal infections prevents rheumatic heart disease. These interventions are cost-effective and life-saving.
The evolution from infectious epidemics to chronic disease burdens reflects both human progress and systemic gaps. By investing in health education, strengthening primary care and promoting early detection, societies can reduce preventable complications and ease the growing burden of disease. Knowledge, once the weapon against plagues, remains humanity’s strongest defense today.
—The writer is PhD Scholar, Public Health Specialist/Gold Medal Innovation Lecturer/Community Medicine Department, Rawalpindi.
