Immunization primarily helps in battling which of the following?

Immunization is a public health intervention specifically designed to prevent infectious diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, which are responsible for infectious illnesses. By introducing a harmless component of the pathogen or a weakened form of it, vaccines prepare the immune system to respond more effectively if exposed to the actual disease in the future.

The role of immunization is pivotal in controlling outbreaks, reducing the incidence of diseases such as measles, polio, influenza, and hepatitis, and minimizing the spread of these harmful infections within communities. This leads to increased herd immunity, safeguarding those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons or age.

Chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance abuse do not fall under the protection that immunization offers. Chronic diseases are typically managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment rather than vaccination. Mental health issues and substance abuse require different intervention strategies focused on behavioral health care, which are unrelated to the immune response stimulated by vaccination. Therefore, immunization is primarily a tool used to combat infectious diseases, making it the correct response in this context.