The case for planetary health prevention

J Epidemiol Community Health. 2022 Feb;76(2):105-106. doi: 10.1136/jech-2021-217988. Epub 2021 Nov 11.

Abstract

The lack of preparedness and the adoption of a reactive approach underlie many mistakes in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. We need a vision with a proactive approach to planetary health prevention, that is suited for addressing the neglected systemic determinants of health which generate disease, inequality and environmental degradation, and capable of anticipating known and unknown risks, and foreseeing possible threatening scenarios. To achieve a healthy, equitable and sustainable future, it is time to make health prevention planetary.

Keywords: health policy; prevention; public health.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Forecasting
  • Health Equity*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2