Unbiased Science’s Post

Public health appreciation post (though I may be biased, ha)! It’s easier to quantify the number of diseases diagnosed and treated than it is to measure the number of illnesses prevented. We can easily see the impact of a new cancer drug that shrinks tumors or a surgical procedure that saves lives. But how do you measure the impact of clean water initiatives that prevent cholera outbreaks, vaccination campaigns that eradicate polio, or public education programs that reduce smoking rates? These are the unsung victories of public health, preventing illness and suffering before they even have a chance to take hold. While sophisticated modeling techniques exist to estimate the impact of public health interventions, quantifying the absence of disease is challenging. These models, while valuable, often rely on assumptions and indirect measures, making them less precise than the concrete data obtained from diagnosing and treating existing illnesses. This inherent difficulty in measuring prevention’s success further contributes to the undervaluation of public health efforts. Throughout history, public health measures have been instrumental in improving human health and longevity. From sanitation and hygiene practices to vaccination and disease surveillance, public health interventions have saved countless lives and prevented untold suffering. Yet, because these successes often involve preventing negative outcomes, they are less visible and less celebrated than the dramatic cures and treatments of clinical medicine. This lack of recognition has real-world consequences. Public health departments are often underfunded and understaffed, struggling to carry out their essential work. When funding cuts are made, public health is often the first to suffer, as its impact is seen as less immediate and less critical than that of hospitals and clinics. Public health is not just about preventing disease outbreaks or responding to emergencies. It’s about creating healthier communities, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, promoting healthy behaviors, and advocating for policies that protect the health of all people. #PublicHealth

  • diagram
Sara Ricardo

Scientist | Strategy Consulting for Research and Higher Education |Consulting Director at SIRIS Academic| MCAA Board Member 2018-2022

6mo

I would argue that is possibly also less supported because it does not revolve around the big investments . Happy to discuss how we can measure the impact of interventions better

Like
Reply

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics