Architectural design strategies for infection prevention and control in resource-limited rural healthcare facilities in developing countries: bridging the gap with context-sensitive design

Abstract

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare is often limited. This challenge is further exacerbated in rural areas, where resource constraints and infrastructural limitations hinder the implementation of effective infection prevention and control measures. Architectural design plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges by creating healthcare environments that inherently minimize the risk of infection transmission. This paper explores context-sensitive architectural design strategies for rural primary healthcare facilities in developing countries, focusing on maximizing IPC efficacy within extremely resource-limited settings. Recognizing that conventional, high-tech solutions are often impractical in these contexts, we emphasize low-cost, culturally appropriate, and sustainable design interventions. By adopting a holistic and context-sensitive approach to architectural design, we can create rural healthcare facilities that are not only functional but also act as frontline defenses against infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Publication
UGHJ – UniCamillus Global Health Journal