Emerging trends in public health (2015–2025): A comprehensive review
Keywords:
Health Equity, Digital Health, Global Health ResilienceAbstract
This systematic literature review considered public health trends from 2015 to 2025, providing a detailed overview of the existing research. This review used a systematic approach, including extensive database searching and thematic analysis, to provide an open and unbiased synthesis. Key findings suggest persistent health disparities due to socioeconomic, geographic and systemic factors continue to be a major concern. Technological advancements, notably AI and digital health, provide transformative potential for personalised care and increased access; however, there is also a danger of exacerbating already present inequalities if not applied equitably. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed significant structural weaknesses of the global health security and preparedness systems, highlighting the imperative of resilient health systems, a competent public health workforce and enhanced international cooperation. Furthermore, environmental factors and climate change are now considered major determinants of public health which exert a disproportionate burden on disadvantaged groups and increase health disparities. These findings highlight the pressing need for agile leadership and organisational change to confront the complex, interconnected challenges of the 21st century. Digital Health, Global Health Resilience, and Health Equity are some that immediately spring to mind.
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