Public health is the organized efforts of society to protect, promote
and restore people's health. It is the combination of science, skills
and beliefs that is directed to the maintenance and improvement
of the health of all the people through collective or social actions.
The programs, services and institutions involved emphasize the prevention
of disease and the health needs of the population as a whole. Public
health activities change with variations in technology and social
values but the goals remain the same: to reduce the amount of disease,
premature death and disease-produced discomfort and disability in
the population.
Public health, thus,is a social institution, a discipline
and a practice.
Public Health:
• Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease
• Protects against environmental hazards
• Prevents injuries
• Promotes and encourages healthy behaviors and mental health
• Responds to disasters and assists communities in recovery
• Assures the quality and accessibility of health services
These responsibilities describe and define the function of public
health in assuring the availability of quality health services.
Both distinct from and encompassing clinical services, public health’s
role is to assure the conditions necessary for people to live healthy
lives, through community-wide prevention and protection programs.
Essential Services of Public Health
Public health serves communities and individuals within them by
providing an array of essential services. Many of these services
are invisible to the public. Typically, the public only becomes
aware of the need for public health services when a problem develops
(e.g., an epidemic occurs). The practice of public health becomes
the list of "essential services."
