Public Health Foundations and Practice

Public Health Foundations and Practice: An Integrated Core Text for MPH Programs offers a comprehensive, contemporary, and globally grounded introduction to the theory, ethics, and practice of public health. Designed as a single flagship text, this book brings together the core domains of the Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum into a streamlined ten-chapter structure that meets international accreditation standards while remaining accessible, readable, and deeply relevant to real-world practice.

Moving from foundational principles to advanced professional application, the book integrates public health history, ethics, social and structural determinants, epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems, policy, leadership, global health, disease prevention, research methods, and digital health into a coherent learning journey. Ethics, equity, and human rights are introduced early and woven throughout, ensuring that students understand public health not only as a technical discipline, but as a moral and professional commitment to population well-being.

Distinctively, this text balances global frameworks with African and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) realities. Case studies, examples, and applications draw from diverse contexts, including fragile and humanitarian settings, faith-based and community-driven interventions, and rapidly evolving digital health environments. Readers are equipped to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, climate and environmental threats, and emerging global health risks.

Each chapter includes clearly stated learning objectives, key concepts, applied exercises, ethical reflection prompts, discussion questions, and suggested readings—making the book ideal for classroom instruction, self-study, and professional reference. The final chapter provides structured guidance on practicum experiences, research theses, and capstone projects, preparing students for successful transition from academic training to professional practice.

Written for MPH students, faculty, practitioners, and prospective public health professionals, Public Health Foundations and Practice is a vital resource for anyone seeking a rigorous, integrated, and globally relevant foundation in modern public health.