Because you care.
Public health is a field for people who care about the greater good of human beings.
If that sounds self-important, consider this: Millions of people are alive today thanks to a handful of public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, motor vehicle safety laws, restrictions on the use of tobacco, family planning, and clean air and water standards.
The field of public health is constantly evolving in response to the needs of communities and populations around the world. The underlying mission of public health is to improve the conditions and behaviors that affect health so that all people can attain it. That mission includes not only the practice of public health policy, but the research of public health issues and the education of future leaders who eventually will translate that research into practices and policies to improve the health of people regionally, nationally, and globally.
Public health...
- Has a real and lasting positive effect on people
- Helps promote a healthy environment
- Is a moral and ethical imperative
- Why is public health important?
The work of public health professionals is important because public health initiatives affect people every day in every part of the world. It addresses broad issues that can affect the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, populations, and societies—both now, and for generations to come. Public health programs help keep people alive. These programs have led to...
- Increased life expectancies
- Worldwide reductions in infant and child mortality
- Eradication or reduction of many communicable diseases