Community nursing towards primary health care

Abstract

Community health practice in various forms has been recorded for over 5 000 years (Anderson, 1969). The ancient Egyptians developed a community system for water supply and sewage disposal. The Hebrews focused on the promotion of health through the Mosaic code which regulated personal hygiene, food, sanitation, maternal health, and more. The Greeks (500-100 BC) emphasised values of personal hygiene and exercise. The Romans (100 BC - 500 AD), on the other hand, were concerned with the State rather that the individual and set public health measures in relation to building regulations, water supply and community sanitation.