The history of public health reflects the population’s experience from ancient times. Since then, the main goals have been to prevent the transmission of illnesses in society and improve people’s health. The development of contemporary theories and practices reflects the past experience and complications associated with the lack of qualified medical professionals and technological advancements. While trying to resolve current issues, the majority ignores historical events. Therefore, it becomes impossible to recognize the way the modern system works. This paper seeks to examine the history of public health that experienced the shortage of doctors and other medical personnel in the distant past, but improved its conditions due to innovative approaches and technological advancements.
In the 1920s, eminent expert Charles-Edward Amory Winslow defined the public health as the art and science aimed at prolonging people’s lives and preventing illnesses. Since ancient times, medical specialists have promoted physical health through non-medical and medical methods such as hand-washing and the production of vaccines. They have also sought to improve the environment and sanitation conditions, control infections, educate individuals, and provide the early diagnosis as well as adequate treatment of diseases, thus maintaining health and ensuring high standards of living.
The dynamism of public health history emphasizes the fact that the system constantly changes due to the events occurring within it. Advances and progress in public health affect people’s lives throughout the world and, therefore, efforts become international as every illness acts as a stimulus to immediate actions in both developed and developing countries. In many real-life situations, fast recovery from the disease removes any barriers towards reaching the desirable goal. Since the time of disease emergence, researchers and medical specialists have deeply examined diabetes and heart disease that caused epidemics. In order to understand and cure illnesses, the development of vital tools was required.
The history of public health is rich in events and discoveries. For example, the emergence of cholera in 19th-century England forced scientists and researchers to create such branch of medicine as epidemiology to stop the disease and develop preventive measures to avoid its re-emergence. The history of public health also reflects the responsibilities and tasks set by clinicians and researchers during the sanitary movement that started in response to epidemics in the 1800s. In order to explain the particular illness, clinicians referred not only to science but also to superstitions and religion. Moreover, many countries duplicated the sanitary movement that started in England by promoting environmental cleanliness, air as well as water quality, and safe waste disposal.
Despite the emergence of bacteriology and sanitary efforts that significantly reduced the number of deaths from enteric diseases, they did not eradicate other serious health issues. As the infant mortality prevailed for many years, European and British clinicians developed comprehensive child and maternal programs focusing on care and nutrition. In addition, the revelation of poor conditions in the food processing industry and occupational diseases forced the government to introduce programs to carefully regulate different activities. Reformers and social workers were also concerned with the promotion of compulsory schooling for young people seeking to eliminate child labor and provide only healthy food.
One more significant period in the history of public health is the struggle against tuberculosis, influenza, and smallpox. These diseases have been known to humankind since ancient times, but they have disproportionately affected public health across the world. The number of death from smallpox is relatively low as clinicians and researchers have managed to eradicate it through the joint efforts. The domestication of pigs led to the emergence of influenza in humans. The mutation develops quickly and, therefore, the disease may kill many individuals. Clinicians have spent long and productive years on developing vaccines from smallpox and influenza. The domestication of cattle also led to the appearance of tuberculosis in humans. Tuberculosis poses a challenge to public health as one individual in three carries its pathogen. The disease requires treatment and more specific approach because drug resistance may exacerbate the situation. Despite the availability of tuberculosis vaccine in the USA, it is not widely used due to the specifics of its public health policy.
One more important event in the history of public health is the discovery of HIV/AIDS. Over forty million people died in 2010 due to the complications of HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, no drug has been developed to cure HIV/AIDS once and for all. Due to different mutations, the frequent revision of vaccines is required.
By the mid-1950s, the industrialized countries had developed the main activities of public health including education, nutrition, control of diseases, environmental sanitation, and the provision of high-quality care. US healthcare providers differentiated the medical care provided to elderly, young, and poor individuals. By the 2000s, public health had expanded its roles and involved more new medical specialists to broaden the activity. Various behavioral factors, aging population, industrialization, social inequality, domestic violence, and globalization have forced medical specialists to reconsider their approaches towards treating patients. They are also required to adjust to the ever-changing environment to satisfy public health demands.
To conclude, public health is science and art aimed at protecting as well as promoting public health and prolonging people’s life through the mobilization of society and provision of appropriate organizational measures at various levels. The history of public health is rich in events and advances. The emergence of HIV/AIDS and the use of addictive drugs pose a daunting challenge to the global community. The history of public health is important as health is the state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being.
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