The core values and principles of public health: a contemporary treatise

Public health constitutes an inclusive term with contested boundaries difficult to define in universally accepted terms. There is an unceasing debate on the narrowness or broadness of public health definition, in relation to corresponding policies, actions and/or inactions implemented in the field. In this treatise, based on a narrative review methodology, we aimed at developing a new framework of core public health values and principles using specific criteria and building on prior published work. Our proposed framework includes an integrated set of five fundamental public health values (respect, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and solidarity), and five principles (accessibility, affordability, acceptability, effectiveness and participation), which highlight the way these moral compasses lead to the development of associated programs and policies. A paradigm delineated by the Patient protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), aligns such values and principles towards improving society’s health outcomes, social engagement and reduction of health inequalities, along with healthcare systems’ resilience. Focus is also being given to epidemiology as a facilitator of public health interventions to achieve universal health coverage and decision making that incorporates public health values and principles in everyday life. The integration of values and principles enables the development of a comprehensive framework, which links policies and programs with individual and collective needs, particularly regarding poor and socially vulnerable populations. By upholding these values and principles as our main public health compasses, we could mitigate health disparities, address current public health challenges and ensure resilient, equitable and sustainable healthcare systems for all.