MEV 018: Unit 07 – Public Health and Management
UNIT 7: PUBLIC HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT
Public health plays a vital role in promoting,
protecting, and restoring the health of populations through organized efforts
and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private sectors, and
individuals. In the context of environmental health, public health management
ensures that environmental hazards are identified, monitored, and controlled to
prevent disease and improve community well-being. With the increasing frequency
of environmental disasters, pollution, and climate-related health challenges,
it is essential to integrate public health surveillance and management
practices into environmental health policies. This unit examines the
definitions, tools, economic implications, surveillance systems like the
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and national initiatives to
promote environmental health.
7.1 Objectives
By the end of this unit, learners will be able
to:
- Understand the key definitions and scope of public health and its
management.
- Explain the role and mechanisms of public health surveillance
systems.
- Analyze the relationship between environmental health and
economics.
- Describe national and state-level health initiatives such as the
IDSP.
- Discuss strategies and programs that promote environmental health
in India.
7.2 Important Definitions
Public Health
Public health is the science and art of
preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized
community efforts.
Environmental Health
A branch of public health concerned with how
environmental factors (physical, chemical, and biological) affect human health.
Health Surveillance
The continuous, systematic collection,
analysis, and interpretation of health-related data for planning, implementation,
and evaluation of public health practices.
Disease Burden
A measure of the impact of a health problem,
often expressed in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) or economic
cost.
Risk Management
The process of identifying, evaluating, and
implementing measures to reduce health risks associated with environmental
hazards.
7.3 Public Health Surveillance
Public health surveillance is crucial for early
detection, control, and prevention of disease outbreaks, especially those
related to environmental hazards. Key components include:
- Data Collection: Monitoring disease patterns, mortality, morbidity, and
environmental indicators.
- Analysis and Interpretation: Using epidemiological
tools to detect trends, clusters, and emerging threats.
- Dissemination: Sharing information with stakeholders, health workers, and
policymakers.
- Action: Implementing control measures such as vaccination drives, vector
control, or pollution mitigation.
Types of Surveillance Systems:
- Passive Surveillance: Routine reporting by
healthcare providers.
- Active Surveillance: Proactive search for
cases (e.g., during outbreaks).
- Sentinel Surveillance: Selected sites used to
monitor specific health events.
- Syndromic Surveillance: Early detection based
on clinical patterns before confirmed diagnosis.
Examples:
- Monitoring air quality and respiratory illness rates.
- Tracking waterborne disease outbreaks during monsoon.
7.4 Economics in Environmental
Health
Environmental health economics examines how
environmental factors impact public health expenditures and economic
productivity.
Economic Impacts of Poor
Environmental Health:
- Increased healthcare costs from diseases caused by
pollution, unsafe water, or poor sanitation.
- Loss of productivity and income due to illness or premature
death.
- Environmental disasters leading to infrastructure damage and
rehabilitation expenses.
Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA):
- Used to evaluate public health interventions.
- Compares the cost of prevention/control with the economic burden of
inaction.
Examples:
- The cost of installing air pollution control equipment vs. treating
respiratory diseases.
- Investment in clean water supply reducing diarrheal disease burden.
Investing in environmental health improves
quality of life, reduces disease burden, and promotes sustainable development.
7.5 Initiatives at National
and State Level: Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
The IDSP is a major public health
surveillance initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of India, launched in 2004 with World Bank assistance.
Objectives:
- To detect early warning signals of disease outbreaks.
- To respond in a timely and effective manner.
Core Activities:
- Surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases through district and state
units.
- Weekly reporting from health institutions using a standardized
format.
- Strengthening laboratory capacity and human resources.
Components:
- Information Technology: Real-time data sharing
and analysis.
- Training: Health staff trained in epidemiology and data management.
- Public-Private Partnership: Collaboration with
private practitioners and NGOs.
State-Level Integration:
- Each state has its own State Surveillance Unit (SSU).
- District Surveillance Units (DSUs) monitor data and
outbreaks at the district level.
The IDSP also monitors diseases with
environmental links like dengue, cholera, typhoid, and malaria.
7.6 Public Health Initiatives
for Promotion of Environmental Health
India has launched several programs and
policies aimed at integrating environmental and public health goals:
a. National Vector Borne
Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP):
Targets diseases like malaria, dengue,
chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis through environmental management and
community participation.
b. Swachh Bharat Mission
(SBM):
Focuses on improving sanitation, waste
disposal, and personal hygiene to prevent diseases.
c. National Rural Health
Mission (NRHM) / National Health Mission (NHM):
Strengthens health infrastructure and services
in rural and urban areas, including environmental sanitation.
d. National Programme for
Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH):
Addresses health risks due to climate
variability through capacity building, surveillance, and research.
e. National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC):
Includes missions on sustainable habitat,
water, agriculture, and energy which indirectly benefit public health.
f. Environmental Education,
Awareness, and Training (EEAT):
Promotes awareness and behavioral change
regarding environmental protection.
These initiatives work across sectors,
combining efforts of health, environment, water supply, sanitation, and
education departments.
7.7 Let Us Sum Up
Public health and management are foundational
pillars for ensuring a healthy environment and protecting populations from
environmental health risks. Surveillance systems like IDSP are essential for
early detection and rapid response to environmental diseases. Understanding the
economic dimensions helps justify preventive measures and public investment in
environmental health. National and state-level programs play a significant role
in integrating environmental and health objectives, promoting intersectoral
collaboration and sustainable development.
7.8 Key Words
- Public Health: Science of disease prevention and health promotion at a community
level.
- Surveillance: Continuous data collection and analysis for health action.
- IDSP: Government program for disease monitoring and outbreak response.
- Environmental Health Economics: Study of cost and
benefits related to environmental health.
- NVBDCP: Program for control of vector-borne diseases.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: Nationwide sanitation
initiative.
- Climate Change and Health: Emerging field linking
climate impact with disease patterns.
Comments
Post a Comment