PUBLIC HEALTH

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Dr Asad
September 28, 2020.

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES

AFTER ATTENDING THIS LECTURE, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Define health
• Describe what Public health does
• Describe the public health achievements in the 20th century
• Analyze the core functions of Public health
• Name some top priority health issues in Pakistan

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Is this health ??

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This ?

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Or This??

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This ??

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Oorr Thiss??

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So what Actually
HEALTH is?

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Is this health?

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10
 PUBLIC HEALTH

Public health refers to all organized measures (whether public or

private) to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life
among the population as a whole. Its activities aim to provide
conditions in which people can be healthy and focus on entire
populations, not on individual patients or diseases. Thus, public
health is concerned with the total system and not only the
eradication of a particular disease.
(World Health Organization)

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What is Public Health
all about?

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 What does Public Health do?
• Provide disease
control and prevention
• Assure air and
water quality
• Promote healthy
lifestyles
 Public Health is a wise investment
It helps people:
– Save money
– Enjoy good health
– Live longer

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People are living longer!

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Drugs and medical care
+5 years

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Public Health impact

+25 years

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Public Health
Is Your
Health Too!

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 Public Health
Achievements
in the 20th Century

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Immunizations
have virtually eliminated:
– Smallpox
– Diphtheria
– Pertussis
– Tetanus
– Polio
– Measles
– Rubella

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century
Safe and healthier foods
– Hand washing
– Sanitation
– Refrigeration
– Pasteurization
– Pest control
– Healthier animal care, feeding,
and processing
– Improved food supply safety

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century
Fluoridation
– Primary factor in the
decline of tooth decay
– Benefits all, regardless of
age, education, or income

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century
Coronary heart disease
and stroke
The leading cause
of death in the U.S.
despite a 60%
decrease in death rates
since 1950.

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Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Recognition of tobacco
as a health hazard
Smoking, once socially
acceptable, is on the
decline among adults.

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century
Motor vehicle safety
– 1925–18 deaths
per million VMT
– 1997–1.7 deaths
per million VMT
– Pakistan ???

VMT: vehicle miles traveled

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Motor vehicle safety

Public Health efforts
have influenced:
– Increased seat belt use
– Vehicle safety improvements
– Traffic safety streets and highways

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Mother and infant

mortality rates
– Maternal mortality
rates down 99%
– Infant mortality
rates down 90%
– Pakistan ???

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century
Mother and infant
mortality rates
– Improved standards
of living
– Technological advances in
medicine
– Greater access to maternal
and well-baby care

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Family planning

– Desired birth spacing

and family size

– Pakistan – Little impact

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 Public Health achievements in the 20th century

Safer, healthier
workplaces
– Mining safety
– Industrial safety
– Indoor air quality
– Ergonomics

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Public Health
Is Your
Health Too!

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 Public Health
A population based
approach to
healthy living

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Core functions of
Public Health

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 Core functions of
Public Health
• Assessment

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 Core functions of
Public Health
• Assessment
• Policy Development

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 Core functions of
Public Health
• Assessment
• Policy Development
• Assurance

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Core functions of
Public Health

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 A. Assessment
1. Assess community health needs
2. Investigate health hazards and effects
3. Analyze health factors

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 B. Policy Development
4. Advocate for community needs and
issues
5. Prioritize health needs
6. Plan and develop policies

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 C. Assurance
7. Manage resources
8. Implement programs
9. Evaluate programs
10. Inform the public

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 Some top priority health issues in
Pakistan
• Ignorance • Tobacco / Drugs
• Population planning • Access to dental
• Communicable care
diseases • Food and drugs safety
• Immunization cover • Mother and child health
• Poor nutrition • Health delivery system
• Environmental • Equity
health • Mental health
• Community
participation 41
Class input/views

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“Verily wisdom is the light of every heart”

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thanks

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