The set of principles represented by Public Health Leadership Society aims at provision of physical and mental foundations in the context of ethics. The core idea is to emphasize that people are closely interconnected within the community they live in, and thus require public health to have its own set of principles.
First of all, it is essential to note that the mission of public health focuses not only on the absence of the disease but also on the promotion of healthy lifestyle, taking into account social, psychological, and physical conditions of individuals (Principles of the ethical practice of public health, 2002). The document under discussion states that people are inherently interdependent and connected with the family and the community. Therefore, the rights of individuals to adequate health care are to be respected and recognized as fundamental ones. However, public health is more oriented to collaboration with communities as a whole rather than with individuals compared to medicine. This requires the establishment of a separate code of ethics in accordance with the specific goals.
Second, public health and accordingly its ethical principles are explicitly stated primarily to protect healthy people rather than those who are ill in comparison with medicine. Considering peculiar characteristics of one or another population, public health identifies key strengths and weaknesses, thus revealing areas that need to be improved (The public health system and the 10 essential public health services, 2016). Such a strategy helps to prevent the expansion of diseases or eliminate complications. For example, taking into account such issues as neighborhood or housing conditions, public health suggests appropriate practical measures to improve a living standard of community members. Among the most significant diseases considered by public health, one can note weight issues, emergency preparedness, diabetes, and others.
Third, as it was already mentioned, public health collects necessary data related to populations. At this point, it strives to empower, educate, and advocate people in regard to health issues (The public health system and the 10 essential public health services, 2016). This function is also can be considered as one that is unique and distinctive from medicine that focuses on disease treatment. Educating wide populations, public health provides a basis for the further healthy development of society as people who are aware of health issues tend to lead the healthier lifestyle and protect their health in general. It seems important to point out that the community feedback plays an integral part of public health. In particular, it is reflected in assessment and interpretation of effectiveness of community-based strategies.
Speaking of discipline-specific principles, one can note that they show the essence of a certain discipline, making it clear both for stakeholders and recipients of services. These principles help to understand a discipline and accomplish its goals along with the overall mission. Furthermore, they frame the services and corresponding activities to provide valuable insights into the effective resolution of an issue related to a discipline. To conclude, it is undoubtedly beneficial for public health to have its own set of ethical principles as the goals of this organization are specific and do not correspond to those stated by medicine. The disease control and prevention are key goals pursued by public health that prioritizes education and empowerment of populations and communities to increase their standard of living and overall well-being.
References
Principles of the ethical practice of public health. (2002). Web.
The public health system and the 10 essential public health services. (2016). Web.