Which intervention targets the mode of transmission in disease prevention?

Teaching proper handwashing techniques directly targets the mode of transmission in disease prevention because it addresses the specific way in which many infectious diseases spread—primarily through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or person-to-person transmission. By teaching individuals how to wash their hands effectively, communities can significantly reduce the likelihood of pathogens being transferred from hands to mouths, food, or other surfaces that facilitate infection.

While promoting vaccination is vital for preventing diseases by building immunity and can significantly reduce disease incidence, it does not directly affect the mode of transmission. Encouraging healthy diets, although important for overall health and resilience against infections, focuses more on improving the individual’s health status rather than directly preventing the spread of infections. Similarly, improving housing conditions contributes to better health outcomes and can reduce factors that promote disease transmission (such as overcrowding), but it does not specifically target transmission methods like handwashing does. Thus, teaching handwashing is a clear and direct intervention for preventing the spread of various infectious diseases.