Prevention

How do people prevent disease in the modern day?

The government has taken a much larger role in public health and the prevention of disease since the 1900s, especially after the establishment of the NHS in 1948.

What types of prevention were used in the 20th century?

There are different ways in which the government and people prevent disease in the modern day, these are:

• ❖ ford.
• ❖ Laws that help to provide a healthy environment for us to live in: for example, the Clean Air Acts, and rules surrounding clean water and good housing.
• ❖ Lifestyle campaigns: the government has launched several campaigns to help people make healthier choices, for example Change4Life, and anti-smoking campaigns.
• ❖ Quarantine measures: During the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the government implemented quarantine measures for travellers from the areas of outbreak to protect the country and prevent a global outbreak.
• ❖ Charities also try to help through campaigns, research and support: for example, the British Heart Foundation.

What vaccinations were introduced for prevention in the 20th century?

The government introduced several national vaccination campaigns. However, a small number of people do not trust vaccinations and choose not to use them.

• ❖ In 1942, a national vaccination campaign was introduced to combat diphtheria.
• ❖ A vaccination for polio (poliomyelitis) was introduced in the 1950s.
• ❖ Other vaccinations that have been introduced include: whooping cough in 1950, tetanus in 1961, measles in 1968, and rubella in 1970.
• ❖ The most recent example is the HPV vaccination given in schools, to prevent infection from a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer. At first it was only given to girls, but this has been expanded to boys in recent years.
• ❖ Each year a flu vaccine is introduced. Although it does not cover all flus it can help protect the most vulnerable from the most common types.

What laws were introduced for prevention in the 20th century?

The government has passed many laws that help to keep our environment safe and healthy. A good example of this is the Clean Air Acts, passed in 1956 and 1968, to reduce smog and pollution.

What campaigns were introduced for prevention in the 20th and 21st centuries?

The government and charities use public campaigns to help inform people of risks to their health and advice on making healthy choices. Examples include:

• ❖ Advertising: campaigns have included those on the dangers of smoking, binge drinking, salt, sugar, unprotected sex, and drug use.
• ❖ Initiatives: healthy eating has been encouraged through initiatives such as Change4Life.
• ❖ Events: Stoptober and other events have been used to support and encourage people to stop smoking.