Public Health Measures Are Always Being Met with Opposition

Over the years public health has come up with some good interventions to protect and save lives. Examples of such measures are wearing seat belts for road safety, banning smoking in public places, promoting vaccinations, mandating face masks in all public spaces, just to name a few. However, all of these measures were always met with opposition. These opposers claim these public health measures were getting in the way of their comfort, freedom, and way of life.

Why anyone will think these measures are out to control others is beyond me. These measures are implemented by public health and health officials using an evidence-based approach. As a public health professional, it has gotten to the point where I honestly feel like giving up and not caring what others do. But I cannot stop caring because whatever the next person does or does not do, might have an impact on me and others.

What makes these measures so difficult for people to follow or comply with? There is nothing wrong with being skeptical and questioning measures put in place for the public. However, once questions or concerns are answered and clarified with data, I would hope those hesitant to give it a chance and comply with the public health measures put in place.

In the United States, we recently saw the crowds at the super bowl, most with no masks on and no distancing. Worst, a star player like Tom Brady walked into the stadium with no masks. I expected someone like Tom Brady to lead by example. Here in Cameroon, most do not respect the preventive measures again, people still attending events in large numbers. It is very difficult to see how public health messaging is being mocked like this.

But I wonder if Public health officials use more of a community engagement approach that is, informing the public of the new measures they intend to implement, why they think it is important, and getting feedback from the public before any measures are implemented. Will this build more trust and less opposition? I certainly think this approach could be helpful. Some of my public health colleagues might disagree with me on this because this approach is time-consuming, costly, and can create potential conflict.

At this point, transparency and change of strategy are very important. Due to the uniqueness of the human race with different believes and ideologies, the opposition will always exist. Always remember that public health professionals are in the business of prevention, promoting, and protecting.