A Dictionary of Public Health

Public health is a slightly nebulous concept. It is defined here as the “… organised activity of society to promote, protect, improve … the health of individuals, specific groups or the entire population. It is a combination of sciences, skills and values that function through collective societal activities … The term can describe a concept, a social institution, a set of scientific and professional disciplines and technologies, and a form of practice. It encompasses a wide range of services, institutions, professional groups, trades, and unskilled occupations  … ”. Although it is possible to grasp this as a single concept and...