Public health is more than a career. It is a commitment to improving societal health and quality of life on a broad scale. Studying public health combines social work, medicine and science with policy-making, program evaluation and statistics. It is an ideal choice for students who like to use their skills to create a healthier world.
In the past, public health initiatives resulted in safer living conditions, healthier lifestyles and longer lifespans. For instance, the eradication of infectious diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, anthrax, cholera, typhus, tuberculosis and smallpox is a great example of how important public health is.
Today, public health deals with issues such as disease prevention, environmental hazards and food safety. Governments set up agencies to inspect and formally approve water supply, food processing, waste treatment and drain systems. They also provide health education to the public and establish guidelines for emergency response.
People also rely on public health services to protect them from disease outbreaks by providing vaccinations and quarantine. Other public health services include maintaining safe drinking water, ensuring that the air is free of harmful pollutants, and promoting healthy eating habits. At the same time, public health seeks to remove obstacles and structural barriers that hinder a person’s ability to achieve good health and well-being. This includes addressing poverty, racism and discrimination in general, as well as gender inequality. The 10 Essential Public Health Services are a guide to these goals.