Scientific Sessions

The spread and impact of infectious diseases are deeply influenced by socioeconomic factors, which shape individuals' exposure risks, access to healthcare, and overall health outcomes. Poverty, inadequate housing, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water contribute significantly to the transmission of infectious agents. In low-income communities, the lack of health education and preventive services often leads to late diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating disease severity. Malnutrition, often associated with poverty, weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections. Moreover, informal employment and lack of social protection force many to continue working while sick, increasing transmission rates within communities.

Educational attainment and income levels also play a crucial role in determining how individuals respond to disease outbreaks. Those with higher education are generally more informed about hygiene practices, vaccination programs, and health-seeking behaviors. In contrast, marginalized populations may experience systemic barriers in accessing healthcare, including discrimination, lack of transportation, and unaffordable medical costs. Global health disparities are further amplified in conflict zones and among displaced populations where infrastructure is weak and healthcare systems are disrupted. Addressing these socioeconomic determinants is essential for effective infectious disease control. Public health policies must adopt a multi-sectoral approach—improving education, living conditions, and economic opportunities—to reduce vulnerability and promote health equity. Without tackling these root causes, efforts to control infectious diseases will remain insufficient and temporary.