5 milestones in public healthcare that have changed our lives

Over the course of history, public health has had a positive influence on the human race, and as far back as 1848, public health was instrumental in introducing sanitation, hygiene and mental health. Over the past year, the world has experienced one of the most unprecedented diseases in recent history. COVID-19 changed all of our lives, and had a big influence on the way we work, do business and engage with each other as a human race, but with the introduction of the recent COVID-19 vaccine, our lives are well underway to becoming completely transformed for the better, but the vaccine is just one of many outstanding breakthroughs in public health that have transformed our lives forever. Here is a list of five phenomenal achievements in public healthcare.

1. Vaccines against COVID-19

When COVID-19 cases peaked around the world in March 2020, the public health sector was left in a state of shock, disarray and confusion. As the virus spread across the world like wildfire, panic rose and many governments were left unprepared and helpless and this caused panic and feelings of hopelessness in the public health sector. Scientists commenced on the COVID-19 vaccine in January 2020. In the United States, dedicated vaccine funding helped to quickly move vaccine candidates through the pre-clinical and clinical assessments and trials quickly and effectively. The vaccine was mass produced before the clinical studies were complete to save time. The vaccine, which has been developed and distributed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

2. Maternal and Infant Health

Ending preventable maternal death is one of the top of the global agenda in public health, and for the past few years, the public health sector has achieved this. Addressing inequalities that affect health outcomes, especially sexual and reproductive health, and rights, is fundamental to ensuring all women have access to respectful and high-quality maternity care. The public health sector has achieved this in leaps and bounds over the past decade.

3. Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard