What is Public Health? Advancing our Profession in Uncertain Times

Kevin Fenton

Immediate past-President, Faculty of Public Health

In recent years we have seen a concerning global trend away from evidence-based policies designed to protect and improve health. Rather than building on the progress we have made in areas such as vaccinations and infectious disease control, healthcare access, environmental protection, and services for marginalised and at-risk communities, we have seen a proliferation of misinformation, a rolling-back of public services, and a shift in focus towards the individual and away from principles of equity and social justice.

A recent editorial in The Lancet explores these issues, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerning moves by major tech and social media companies to reverse fact-checking policies. In public health we know that this has been an escalating challenge for many years, and the article concludes that ” disinformation has become a deliberate instrument to attack and discredit scientists and health professionals for political gains… Only if we recognise that threat and act proportionately can we respond to the danger and combat the tide of misinformation and disinformation that has the potential to seriously undermine public health.”

Now more than ever it is critical that we champion the importance and integrity of our work, and this is why the Faculty of Public Health has been defining and celebrating the public health profession through our ‘What is Public Health?’ campaign, a multi-year initiative which aims to reinforce the fundamental contributions of public health and it’s global workforce.

What is Public Health?

As showcased in our new animated explainer video, public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. It also considers principles of social justice and equity, promoting and protecting better health for all, leaving no-one behind. This means that public health holds a resolute focus on tackling inequalities in health, including those driven by racism and discrimination.

Rather than focussing on the health of the individual, public health works to protect and improve the health of communities and populations at local, regional, national, and global level. Public health is about more than managing disease; it’s about creating sustainable, healthy environments for all, ensuring access to care, and safeguarding vulnerable communities. Some of the essential functions of public health include controlling infectious diseases, delivering programmes to diagnose disease as early as possible, ensuring people have access to nutritious food and safe housing, tackling the health impacts of climate change, and responding to major incidents and disasters. 

Public Health Leadership in Uncertain Times

The landscape of public health is more complex and uncertain than ever before, and so we must evolve our work to meet these challenges. Public health leadership is built on principles of empathy, courage, and an unwavering commitment to following evidence and best practice to protect and improve health for all in society.

The challenges we face today require leadership that is bold, inclusive, and rooted in social justice. Public health professionals are often at the forefront of difficult conversations on topics such as air pollution, climate change, structural racism, and the health needs of asylum seekers and migrants. We must advocate for change, speak truth to power, and ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind. Leading with compassion, understanding, and respect for the diverse communities we serve is essential for creating better health for all.

Continuing the Work of Public Health

The Faculty of Public Health is committed to advancing the conversation around public health leadership. Through our “What is Public Health?” campaign, we will continue to advocate for public health policies and practices that are inclusive, evidence-based, and support better health for all. Public health must remain a central pillar of global health, particularly as we navigate increasingly complex issues like climate change, inequality, and pandemic preparedness.

Now is the time for all public health professionals, policymakers, and organisations to reaffirm the significance of public health. We must continue to champion the work that has been done in the past and strive to build a healthier future, one where every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. This is a global endeavour, and it requires the collective efforts of our global community to drive meaningful change.

Let’s continue to rise to the challenge and move the field of public health forward with determination and purpose.