Ten statements on the future of public health in Europe

Excerpt

The notion of public health started some 400 years ago with disease control to prevent the further spread of diseases. Since then, public health has evolved and includes health promotion as well as health protection. Public health is an organized effort of society to improve the health of a population. The term “new public health” is now being used more frequently. New public health defines health as an investment factor for a good community life. It focuses on the behaviour of individuals in their present environment and the conditions of life that influence behaviour. Apart from its classic aim of preventing disease, public health work is about promoting physical and mental health of individuals. This includes influencing living habits and living conditions, but also promoting self-esteem, human dignity and respect. If this new public health is the future of public health, the questions as to where we stand now and how we are going to achieve this new public health need answering. …