The Importance of Open Access Journals in the Area of Public Health

Abstract

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “public health refers to all organized measures – whether public or private – to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong 
life among the population as a whole”. Thus, public health should be perceived as a system 
with three main functions: 1) assessment and monitoring of the communities’ health and populations at risk, 2) formulation of public policies designed to solve identified local and national 
health problems, 3) assuring that all populations have access to appropriate and cost-effective 
care, including health promotion and disease prevention services. Some examples of public 
health campaigns include: vaccination and control of infectious diseases, safety workplaces, 
safe and healthy food, safe drinking water, access to family planning, recognition of tobacco 
use as a health hazard. As a result of globalization, factors affecting public health in one country 
may come from outside state boundaries. Thus, special measures and attention are required to 
manage cross-border health risks, such as dangerous products.1
 Access to research on various 
aspects of public health is a key to successful implementation of public health policies and 
measures