Facets of public health in Europe (2014)

Edited by Bernd Rechel and Martin McKee
Published by Open University Press
European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Series
2014, xxviii + 346 pages
ISBN 978 0 33 526420 9
£29.99

In the last two centuries, public health has reduced the impact and prevalence of infectious diseases, but much remains to be done to reduce noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, which comprise the bulk of the disease burden on the WHO European Region. This book takes a broad but detailed approach to public health in Europe and offers the most comprehensive analysis of the Region available. It considers a huge range of key topics in public health and includes chapters on:

• screening
• health promotion
• tackling of the social determinants of health
• health impact assessment
• the public health workforce
• public health research.

In addition, the authors consider the existing public health structures, capacities and services in a range of European countries, identifying what needs to be done to strengthen action and improve outcomes for public health.
Reflecting the broad geographical scope of the entire WHO European Region, this book uses examples from a diverse range of countries to illustrate different approaches to public health. It is essential reading for anyone studying or working in the field of public health, especially those with an interest in European practice.