The 21st century has seen many significant advancements in public health, driven by research, innovation, and technology. Here are some of the key advancements in public health since the beginning of the 21st century:

• Improved Vaccines - The development of new and improved vaccines has been one of the most significant advancements in public health in recent years. New vaccines have been developed to prevent diseases such as HPV, meningococcal disease, and rotavirus. In addition, advances in vaccine technology have led to the development of mRNA vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines. The genetic sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 was one of the first critical steps in the development of vaccines. This sequencing allowed researchers to identify the genetic material of the virus, which they could then target with a vaccine. During this time we worked closely with University of Oxford who helped create the Astra-Zeneca vaccine by supplying them with qPCR diagnostic kits.


• Precision medicine is an approach to disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. Advances in genomic research and the development of technologies that allow for the analysis of large sets of data have made precision medicine possible. This personalized approach to healthcare has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.


• Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data. This approach has been used to identify and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as Ebola and Zika. Disease surveillance systems have also been used to track chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes, allowing for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Science plays a crucial role in predicting, detecting, and tracking emerging health risks, which enables us to be better prepared to confront tomorrow's challenges. By predicting emerging health risks, scientists can alert healthcare providers and government agencies to potential threats and help them prepare for future outbreaks by predicting and detecting patterns of disease outbreaks, study the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to disease, and monitor changes in animal populations that may indicate the emergence of new diseases. Scientists can then use a variety of techniques to track the spread of emerging health risks, including epidemiological studies, genetic analysis, and environmental monitoring.

Once an emerging health risk has been identified, scientists work to develop strategies for prevention and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of collaborations between scientists, healthcare providers, and government in responding to public health emergencies. Scientists around the world have worked together to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, while healthcare providers have delivered care to those affected by the disease. Governments have played a critical role in coordinating the response to the pandemic, providing resources and support to healthcare providers, and implementing policies to help slow the spread of the virus.

Advances in science are constantly expanding our understanding of health and disease, which opens up new avenues for improving public health. Here are some potential areas for future development in public health based on current advances in science:

• Digital health refers to the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Advances in digital health technologies, such as wearable devices, mobile health apps, and telemedicine, are transforming the way that healthcare is delivered and managed. Future developments in digital health may include the use of AI and machine learning to analyse health data in real-time, which could help to identify early warning signs of disease and improve health outcomes.


• Infectious diseases remain a significant public health threat, and advances in infectious disease research are paving the way for new approaches to prevention and control. Future developments in infectious disease prevention and control may include the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs, as well as the use of AI and machine learning to track and predict the spread of infectious diseases.

In conclusion, science has played an essential role in improving the health and well-being of people around the world. From developing vaccines to treating diseases, predicting and tracking emerging health risks, to advancing precision medicine and digital health technologies, science has helped us to overcome some of the most significant health challenges of our time.

While there are still many challenges to be addressed, the continued advancement of scientific research and innovation provides hope for a healthier future. By investing in scientific research and public health infrastructure, we can continue to harness the power of science to confront emerging health threats, promote health equity, and improve the quality of life for people worldwide.