Title: Epidemiology and the Future of World Health—The Robert Cruickshank Lecture
Abstract:Epidemiology is considered under 4 aspects: its contribution to world health; its future role in solving health problems; application of advances in epidemiology; and its social and ethical implicatio...Epidemiology is considered under 4 aspects: its contribution to world health; its future role in solving health problems; application of advances in epidemiology; and its social and ethical implications. Epidemiology now encompasses all ill health as affected by development not just infectious diseases. The WHO uses epidemiologic tools to understand the incidence prevalence natural history causes effects and control of disease as exemplified by the eradication of smallpox and the AIDS prevention program. Now WHO is applying epidemiologic methods of monitoring and evaluation to set goals for health for all by 2000. The major contributions that epidemiologists can make are to warn decision makers about the many world problems before it is too late. This should be done with human rights and social justice in mind rather than by commercial marketing of health products. Future health care systems must continue to increase efficiency and efficacy of interventions compatible with political and social reality and respectful of human rights freedom and integrity. WHO is preparing a plan of action to strengthen epidemiologic capabilities of the countries with the greatest need in the next 5 years to be extended to other needy countries in the future.Read More