What is Public Health

Public Health is defined as the science of protecting, assuring and improving the health of the population, through education, research and policy-making, based on rational data, for disease prevention, injury and death.

In 1923, Winslow formulated a definition of Public Health that is still relevant: “Public health is the science and the art of preventing disease, prolonging life, promoting physical health and human efficiency, through the organized effor of society for the improvement of the environment, the control of infectious diseases, the education of each individual in personal hygiene, the organization of medical and nursing health services for the early diagnosis and preventive treatment of diseases and the development of a “social  achinery” which will ensure to every individual in the community a standard of living adequate for the maintenance of health”.

In addition, Public Health is specified by all the organized, evidence-based activities of the state and society, aiming at preventing diseases, protecting and promoting health, increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life and well-being of the population:

• in measuring health, identifying and solving health problems in the community.

• in the diagnosis and investigation of problems and health risks in the community.

• in informing, making aware and empowering people on health issues.

• in motivating the community in the active participation and in the solution of problems.

• in the development of policies and plans for strengthening individual and community health.

• in compliance with the laws and regulations of health and safety protection.

• in the creation of competitive Public Health executives.

• in evaluating the effectiveness, accessibility and quality of health services at the individual and community level.

• in researching for the implementation of innovative solutions to Public Health problems.

• in the design and evaluation of health services.

• in improving health information and knowledge, which will provide policy makers, health professionals and the general public with the key elements and information needed to strengthen their involvement in advocacy and health promotion.

The postgraduate program in Public Health, with the curriculum subjects that faculty members serve, is called upon to fulfill a multifaceted mission in the context of public health policies, economy and knowledge society and at the same time to satisfy the demand for teaching and research excellence. Demographic, social and technological developments raise expectations for qualitative public health. It is a common finding that public health services need to be staffed by personnel equipped with the skills and competencies needed to function effectively in recent times. As the country comes out from the economic crisis of the previous years, whose effects on health, society and the economy have questioned the sustainability and prospects of the health system, all issues regarding national public health policies and the development of the health sector are being researched and redefined. In particular, setting priorities in the health sector, setting up judgements for health reform and organizing targeted actions require primarily evidence-based data.

In addition, the need for a comprehensive planning and monitoring of the progress of the health sector in our country, the search for measures to ensure sustainable  development, based on scientific documentation, must be the output of a productive dialogue, in the light of equality, efficiency and effectiveness, aiming at promoting the necessary structural changes in the health sector. Therefore, it becomes an imperative necessity that public health services mus be staffed by professionals who are equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to successfully meet the specific scientific needs posed by the development of the public health sector.

Recent perceptions for public health require executives who see the future of Public Health as a comprehensive provision for improving the health and wellbeing of society, capable of not only achieving the expected goals in relation to the health of the population, but to demonstrate commitment and devotion to the public health value, compliance with values in relation to social benefit and respect for human rights.

Studying Public Health is an investment for the sustainability and improvement of the human capital in Greece. It is a collective action for holistic improvement and sustainable development of population’s health. Postgraduate studies in public health groom the future professionals who will promote the prevention, quality of life and well-being of the general population and vulnerable groups.