Definition of Public Health and
Changing Concepts of Public
Health
Community Medicine – 3rd Year
MBBS
Your Name/Institution
Date
Introduction to Public Health
• Definition: Public health is 'the science and art
of preventing disease, prolonging life, and
promoting health through organized efforts of
society' – Winslow (1920).
• Scope:
• - Prevention of diseases
• - Promotion of healthy lifestyles
• - Health policy formulation
• - Surveillance and epidemiology
Key Elements of Public Health
• - Preventive measures: Immunization,
sanitation, health education
• - Health promotion: Encouraging healthy
behaviors, community health programs
• - Policy development: Government and non-
government collaboration in health
• - Research: Epidemiological studies, public
health research
Traditional Concepts of Public
Health
• Early Approaches:
• - Focus on sanitation and infectious disease
control (19th century)
• - Public health as a tool for preventing
epidemics
• - Early interventions in hygiene, quarantine,
and vaccination
Evolution of Public Health
Concepts
• Mid-20th Century:
• - Shift towards chronic diseases (e.g., heart
disease, cancer)
• - Introduction of health education and health
promotion
• - Focus on social determinants of health
• Late 20th Century:
• - Health for all by the year 2000 (Alma-Ata
Declaration, 1978)
Modern Concepts of Public Health
• Holistic Approach:
• - Beyond disease prevention: Includes mental,
social, and environmental health
• - Globalization of health: Addressing global
health challenges like pandemics, climate
change, and inequality
• Health Equity: Reducing health disparities
among populations
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Public
health’s role in achieving global health targets
Public Health in India
• Current Scenario:
• - Progress in immunization, maternal and child
health
• - Challenges: Non-communicable diseases,
malnutrition, and emerging infections
• - National health programs (e.g., Ayushman
Bharat, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan)
Changing Concepts in Public Health
• From Individual to Population Health:
• - Population health management focusing on
large-scale interventions
• Social Determinants of Health: Factors like
education, income, and environment playing a
key role in health outcomes
• Role of Technology: Use of data, AI, and
telemedicine in improving public health
Challenges in Public Health Today
• - Pandemics and Emerging Diseases: COVID-19
and the need for preparedness
• - Environmental Health: Air pollution, water
contamination, and climate change
• - Lifestyle Diseases: Rising burden of diabetes,
hypertension, obesity
Conclusion
• Summary: Public health has evolved from
focusing solely on infectious diseases to
addressing a wide range of factors affecting
health.
• Future Directions: Public health must continue
to adapt to global challenges, technological
advancements, and the changing needs of
populations.
