Public health is concerned with the big picture of how society is organised to maximise health and well-being – about what people can do for themselves as well as the role of institutions and government to ensure good health in our communities.

Our primary focus is prevention and early detection, rather than on clinical services. We look at the whole population, rather than the individual, and seek to manage risks. In this way, public health complements and works with clinical services.

In Western Australia, we are fortunate to enjoy a high standard of living and health. We use a range of evidence-based, targeted programs to keep our communities healthy including:

-immunisation
-safe food and water
-safer workplaces and communities
-seatbelts and other road safety measures
-water fluoridation
-organised cancer screening
-sun safety campaigns
-control of tobacco.