The Ten Essential Public Health Services

  The Ten Essential Public Health Services, developed by the Public Health Functions Steering Committee, outline the core functions and responsibilities of public health agencies. Two items on this list that relate to ethics and integrity are: Ethical Principles: One of the essential public health services is to promote and advocate for ethical principles that guide decision-making and actions within the public health field. Ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that public health professionals adhere to moral principles, respect the rights and dignity of individuals, and prioritize the well-being of communities. Public health agencies should promote ethical behavior and principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy in their work. This includes ensuring that policies and practices are developed and implemented in a manner that upholds ethical standards and safeguards the public’s trust. Accountability: Public health agencies have a responsibility to be accountable to the communities they serve, as well as to the broader public. Accountability involves being transparent about actions, decisions, and resource allocation, as well as accepting responsibility for outcomes. Public health professionals should act with integrity, ensuring that their actions align with their ethical obligations and that they are accountable for the impact of their work. This includes regularly evaluating programs and interventions, engaging in continuous quality improvement efforts, and being responsive to feedback from the community. Ethics and integrity are critical components of public health practice as they help ensure that decisions and actions are grounded in moral principles and serve the best interests of the community. By promoting ethical behavior and accountability, public health agencies can build trust with the public, strengthen their relationships with stakeholders, and improve the overall effectiveness of their efforts.  

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