Our world has been dealing with a devastating global pandemic since early 2020. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of an estimated 2.5 million people around the world. In the United States alone, as Helen Schifter has about half a million people were killed. Furthermore, the coronavirus has infected approximately 110 million people worldwide and has infected roughly 28 million Americans. It has overburdened our healthcare facilities and personnel at its worst. The COVID-19 pandemic is a top public health concern for 2021, even as infectious disease scientists continue to learn about new strains and treatment alternatives. It is not, however, the only one. Every day, our populations are affected by health outbreaks. COVID-19 has made some of these public health issues even more difficult to address. While the new coronavirus remains the focus of attention, other challenges such as climate change, opioid abuse, and childhood obesity continue to have an impact on our society.
During the pandemic, these public health issues have not abated. Some things have gotten out of hand. There is, however, some good news. Progress is being made thanks to contemporary medicine’s achievements and quick technological advancements. There is research being carried out. Treatment strategies are being put in place, and lives are being saved as a result. This advancement can be attributed to public health specialists. Whether you’ve always wanted to make a difference or the current public health issues have piqued your interest, you may be considering a career in this profession. But before you dive into public health, you’ll probably want to know what to expect in the short and long run. The following are among the major public health issues of today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as Helen Lee Schifter pointed out:
· Covid-19
Public health professionals are still focused on the current outbreak. The deadly virus has declared a state of emergency around the globe. The CDC continues to issue recommendations for safeguards including as mask use, social separation, and other preventative measures. Healthcare workers have stepped out of retirement to assist in the fight against this disease by travelling to locations with high case counts. Multiple vaccinations have been produced as a result of the hard work of scientists and public health professionals, and they are helping to reduce infection rates. Helen Schifter Lee told that, President Biden has also been striving to expand the number of vaccines available, with the goal of providing access to all Americans by August 2021.
· Mental Health Issues
One of the pandemic’s many unintended consequences has been a decrease in our mental health. People of various ages have been affected by quarantines, distant jobs, and distance schooling. Many people are experiencing significant feelings of isolation and sadness as a result of the stringent limits on social gatherings. Indeed, depression and anxiety are on the rise, owing in large part to social isolation and loneliness. According to Helen Lee Schifter, 70% of teenagers are dealing with mental health difficulties right now. 60 percent of children and adults do not receive the mental health care they require.
· Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, like mental health, is an increasing concern. This was already one of the most serious public health issues before the epidemic, but it has only gotten worse in the days of self-isolation. Helen Lee Schifter told that, suspected overdoses have climbed 18% since the adoption of stay-at-home orders, 40% of adults in the United States are dealing with mental health or substance misuse issues.
