General and Crosscutting Issues in Public Health

**3**

**Chapter 1**

*Edlyne Eze Anugwom*

**1. Conceptualizing public health**

Introductory Chapter: Public

in the Developing World

Health Afflictions and Challenges

The most interesting definition of public health is probably that provided by Sir Donald Acheson and colleagues who in the influential report published in 1998 apprehended it as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting, protecting and improving health through the organized efforts of society" [1]. Generally, and as the name implies, public health is concerned with the health of a given population or group which is pursued as part and parcel of the agenda of governments and public institutions to improve the lives of the people under their domains. In other words, it is health conceived as a critical element of regulations, policies, and support framework of the government or its agencies. Public health is as well a common domain between individuals, communities, groups, and government and/or its institutions and agencies. Even where there are formal and institutional provision of facilities and services, accessing these services and responding to guidelines and procedures of health are usually at the level of individuals and communities. The above is especially obvious in the area of infectious or contagious diseases where prevention and curtailment are deemed necessary. In other words, a good public health system depends as much on formal

provision of facilities and services as it depends on a responsive public.

impact positively on socioeconomic development.

tion, and broad health support for the community or society.

Therefore, health promotion is a key element and goal of public health. In doing

By definition, public health lays emphasis on social and environmental contexts of diseases and health problems. It, from this pedestal aspires to improve health through large-scale societal initiatives like vaccinations, fluoridation of drinking water, easy and affordable access to health facilities, and even such behavior modifying acts like prohibition of smoking and demonizing cigarettes as a way of curbing the spread of tobacco-related diseases in the population. In other words, public health while including the treatment of individuals or communities goes beyond this to focus on health promotion, disease prevention, recovery, rehabilita-

From the perspective of the present volume, the conceptualization of public health as both art and science is very instructive. In this sense, it provides a unique opportunity for a fusion or coming together of science and arts. Therefore, public

this, public health strives to encourage healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diseases and epidemics through health education and intervention actions. There is no gainsaying the fact that public health interventions that are carefully tailored and conscientiously implemented would lead to reduced mortality in the general population and improved quality of life and life expectancy. These would in turn
