Which of the following is NOT a public health measure to prevent infectious diseases?

Antibiotic self-prescription does not align with public health measures aimed at preventing infectious diseases. Public health initiatives focus on strategies that effectively limit the spread of illness and protect community health. Safe water, vaccination, and waste disposal are established measures that contribute to preventing infections in populations.

Safe water ensures that individuals have access to clean drinking water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. Vaccination provides immunity against specific infectious diseases, thereby decreasing incidence rates and protecting both individuals and the community from outbreaks. Effective waste disposal helps prevent the accumulation of harmful pathogens and reduces the environmental spread of diseases.

In contrast, antibiotic self-prescription can lead to inappropriate use of medications, contributing to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing public health concern. This practice undermines the efficacy of antibiotics and poses a risk to individual health and public health at large. Therefore, it is clear why antibiotic self-prescription is not considered a preventive measure in public health.