The Government’s Role in Healthcare

• What have vaccination campaigns achieved?

  They have eradicated some diseases
• What is the purpose of national vaccination programmes launched since 1900?

  To prevent people from catching deadly diseases
• How successful have vaccination programmes been in reducing deaths?

  They have significantly reduced the number of deaths
• What causes diphtheria?

  Bacteria in the nose and throat
• What severe complications can diphtheria cause?

  Paralysis or heart failure
• How many cases of diphtheria were reported in 1940?

  Over 60,000 cases
• How many deaths from diphtheria occurred in 1940?

  Over 3,000 deaths
• Why did the government start a vaccination campaign in 1940?

  Fears of wartime conditions spreading the disease
• What methods did the government use for the vaccination campaign?

  Posters, newspaper ads, and radio broadcasts
• How many diphtheria cases were reported by 1957?

  Just 38 cases
• How many deaths from diphtheria were reported by 1957?

  Only six deaths
• Which age group was primarily vaccinated for diphtheria in 1940?

  5-15 year olds
• What allowed the government to vaccinate all children by their first birthday?

  The establishment of the NHS in 1948
• What does polio primarily attack?

  The digestive system, bloodstream, and nervous system
• What severe outcome can polio cause?

  Paralysis
• How many children were left with disabilities due to polio between 1947 and 1958?

  Over 30,000 children
• When was the first polio vaccine introduced in Britain?

  In 1956
• What was the aim of the national campaign introduced with the polio vaccine?

  To vaccinate every person under 40
• What was the outcome of the polio vaccination campaign by the late 1970s?

  The disease was all but eradicated
• How many polio cases were reported in Britain from 1985 to 2002?

  Only 40 cases
• What is the aim of lifestyle campaigns?

  To improve people's health
• What link did scientists show in the 20th century?

  The link between lifestyle choices and health
• What significant event occurred in London in 1952?

  The Great Smog caused 4,000 deaths
• What did the Great Smog demonstrate?

  The dangers of air pollution
• What health conditions can air pollution cause?

  Asthma and bronchitis
• What action did the government take after the Great Smog?

  Passed laws to limit air pollution
• What lifestyle change has led to increased obesity?

  Less active lifestyle
• What was the aim of the Change4Life campaign launched in 2009?

  To improve diets and promote daily exercise
• What health issue is linked to excessive alcohol intake?

  Liver cirrhosis
• How did alcohol intake change from 1950 to 2004?

  It rose but has since fallen
• What campaign was launched in 2004 to address alcohol intake?

  The Drinkaware campaign
• Where does the Drinkaware logo appear?

  On many alcohol advertisements
• How did the government's approach to public health change over time?

  • Shift from laissez-faire attitudes of the 19th century
  • Increased intervention in public health
  • Focus on preventing illnesses, not just treating them
• What does the government's current approach to health involve?

  Intervening to prevent particular illnesses
• What was the foundation of the NHS's approach to health?

  To treat and vaccinate against diseases