Assignment

Role of Public Health and Government

Name

Affiliation

Date

Role of Public Health and Government

Question 1:

Thomas R. Frieden authored an article about “The Future of Public Health,” which was published in the year 2015. The author has shed light on the situation of the Infectious diseases in the United States of America and the world in a great deal. The author has highlighted that the health care system, as well as the medicinal research, has improved greatly over the course of the last decade. Still, the United States of America is facing substantial changes in terms of infectious diseases. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, drug-resistant bacteria, hepatitis C virus infection, preventable influenza, healthcare-associated infections, and pneumonia are among the most common infectious diseases, which are resulting in the death of more than hundred thousand people every year (Frieden, 2015).

The situation of the infectious diseases around the world is quite progressive because of the fact that the number of deaths due to the diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have decreased globally, over the course of years. Diseases like guinea worm and polio are almost eradicated, while filariasis is also completely controlled. Moreover, the Ebola epidemic is also now in control. The vaccination programs around the world have contributed to saving the lives of more than two million children who are less than five years old. The world health organization is performing greatly due to which this progress has become possible, however, more changes an improvements are needed in a number of other aspects (Frieden, 2015).

Question 2:

The situation of chronic diseases in the United States of America highlights the fact that tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the country. Although smoking cessation treatments and counseling are in practice, but the process is quite slow. The government, as well as the health care sector, are collaborating in order to minimize the use of tobacco in the United States of America by imposing higher taxes, managing anti-tobacco campaigns, promoting smoke-free areas, and raising the age limit for the purchase of the tobacco products. Other common chronic diseases prevalent in the United States of America include cardiovascular issues and hypertension (Frieden, 2015).

On the other hand, the situation of the chronic diseases across the globe highlights the fact that tobacco smoking is the second most important source of death, while hypertension is the leading cause of a greater number of deaths. The number of death due to hypertension across the globe have reached the highest number of more than nine million deaths annually. Sodium intake is the leading cause of impacting the issues related to blood pressure, which eventually contribute to chronic diseases. Traffic accidents are also adding to the number of deaths on an annual basis (Frieden, 2015).

Question 3:

Dr. Frieden is of the view that the public is now efficient and literate enough to ensure its health and betterment. However, the government still needs to play its role by ensuring three factors of progress in society. The very first is promoting open and free information. The second one is saving the general public from the harms of specific groups like tobacco smokers. The third and the last one is implementing social interventions, in case the society does not comply with the prescribed changes. I agree with the point of view, as well as suggestions of Dr. Frieden because the government, as well as the general society, need to contribute on an equal level in order to ensure the better health care facilities and condition of the society. The government cannot implement any change without the support of the public, moreover, the public can also not lead any change without the support of the government so the cooperation is much needed to make the society a better living place.

Reference

Frieden, T. R. (2015). The future of public health. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(18), 1748-1754.