The recent pandemic has created a greater awareness about the aspect of public health. But we still remain woefully unaware of the scope of the term. Could you please elaborate?
Perhaps no better time in current history demonstrates the critical role of public health than now. With the world still recovering from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – economic, social and political, we have learnt many things. Foremost among these is the importance of public health.
Now coming to your question, Public Health (PH) focuses on improving and protecting community health and well-being, with an emphasis on prevention among large groups of people. The World Health Organization defines public health as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging health through the organized efforts of society.” Public Health is significant in aiding and prolonging life.
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The scope of public health is manifold. It is not confined to Health Sciences alone. It encompasses, mental health (clinical psychology), social work, mass communication, geography (remote sensing and predicting natural disasters etc), health economics, among others. Translating research evidence into products, policies and practices (3 Ps) is very important.
What disciplines does the study of public health draw from?
An ideal Public Health University may have disciplines such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Data Science, Bioinformatics and one health centre under the School of Public Health. Disciplines such as Biological Sciences, Microbiology /Virology, Climate Change and Environmental Health and Molecular Health Sciences under a School of Biomedical Sciences; disciplines like Clinical Psychology, Health Economics, Social Work, Mass Communication under the School of Social Sciences.
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What are some research focus areas at AIPH?
Health is a stepping stone to achieving virtually all other human development goals. Many of the advances in healthcare that we enjoy today are based on research. Recent improvements in life expectancy; in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and in healthcare delivery and outcomes have their origins in research that was carried out over many decades. AIPH University aims to carry out research that can be converted into deliverable products. It aims at productive research in areas of public health and related fields that can be used in products, polies and practices (3 Ps). In addition to areas like health system strengthening, the research agenda would include RMNCH+A (Reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child health plus adolescent), Non communicable diseases and infectious diseases, and one health.
Where does India stand with regard to public health delivery in respect to international and regional standards?
Public Health was a neglected area in India. A country like India needs a large number of public Health specialists and virologists. Handling of pandemic needs three things: government’s effort, research and people’s participation. India, we had seen the strong government’s efforts at national and sub-national levels. Research in India was productive in a way that we got two vaccines and supplied to many countries. Public health delivery is not a simple thing. In handling Covid-19, India demonstrated better skills than many countries. WHO has declared India freed from Yaws in 2017. India is also heading towards elimination of Malaria and elimination of lymphatic filariasis, kala-azar and leprosy as public health problems. The case fatality rate of dengue has drastically come down. Therefore, now India is in a better position with regard to public health delivery in respect to many other countries.
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What is the near-term and long-term vision that you have for AIPH?
AIPH University will be a vibrant University in the country addressing all public health issues and targeting their solutions with single-minded commitment.
Disclaimer : The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
