PGZ2026
Public Health in International Context
Maastricht University
1
, Case 1: International burden of disease
What is the international burden of disease?
1. What is public health? Why do we study this in a global sense?
Detels – The scope and concerns of public health
Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting
health through the organized efforts (and informed choices) of society. It is the biologic,
physical, and mental well-being of all members of society regardless of gender, wealth,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, country, or political views.
- Goal WHO: ‘Health for all’.
Because there are limited resources for public health, it’s essential to effectively plan,
manage, coordinate, and administer cost-effective health services, and to ensure their
ability to all segments of society. In every society, there are health inequalities that limit
the ability of some members to achieve their maximum ability to function. The well-
being of society is dependent on the ratio of those who produce to those who are
dependent.
2. What is the top 10 of communicable and non-communicable diseases in
terms of mortality?
Detels – The scope and concerns of public health
2
Public Health in International Context
Maastricht University
1
, Case 1: International burden of disease
What is the international burden of disease?
1. What is public health? Why do we study this in a global sense?
Detels – The scope and concerns of public health
Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting
health through the organized efforts (and informed choices) of society. It is the biologic,
physical, and mental well-being of all members of society regardless of gender, wealth,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, country, or political views.
- Goal WHO: ‘Health for all’.
Because there are limited resources for public health, it’s essential to effectively plan,
manage, coordinate, and administer cost-effective health services, and to ensure their
ability to all segments of society. In every society, there are health inequalities that limit
the ability of some members to achieve their maximum ability to function. The well-
being of society is dependent on the ratio of those who produce to those who are
dependent.
2. What is the top 10 of communicable and non-communicable diseases in
terms of mortality?
Detels – The scope and concerns of public health
2
