• It supports the early detection of health issues and the implementation of suitable treatment methods.
  
  
• With its interdisciplinary approach, it also delves into the socio-economic factors underlying disease causes, offering vital insights for effective solutions.
  
  
• Public health caters to the entire population, ensuring no individual is left in disadvantaged circumstances.
  
  
• It ensures the community is well-informed about health threats.
  
  
• Through preventive measures, it presents a cost-effective alternative compared to the funds allocated for treatment.

Public health, a cornerstone of sustainable development, intersects with various issues and sectors, spanning from economics to social engagement, climate change to security. Therefore, collaboration, a prerequisite for global development, is an integral aspect of public health endeavors.

While the Millennium Development Goals set specific targets for certain diseases between 2000 and 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015 articulate a broader objective in health. Aligned with the aim of "Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages," the UN has issued a global call to action. As the International Federation of Green Crescent, we continue our efforts to localize this objective and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Countries with the most successful public health initiatives are typically those classified as developed nations. Recognizing that a nation's most valuable asset is its healthy human capital, these countries prioritize preventive and promotive activities to safeguard and enhance public health, rather than solely focusing on hospital-based medical treatments. Consequently, in countries that prioritize public health, where individuals rarely seek healthcare facilities with requests such as "prolong my life" or "protect my children from infectious diseases and harmful substance habits," the average life expectancy at birth is significantly longer, infant and child mortality rates are much lower, and overall health indicators are notably superior compared to other nations.

Globally, one of the major challenges in addiction treatment lies in the disparities in accessing appropriate treatment and support services. Especially in low-income countries, there may be insufficient resources and expertise available for addiction treatment. This situation exacerbates global inequality in addressing addiction-related issues.

In order to address this issue, IFGC collaborates with Country Green Crescents globally to prevent addiction and raise awareness about public health aspects of addiction.

On a global scale, tobacco use remains one of the greatest threats to public health, causing over 8 million deaths annually and tobacco control continues to be a global health priority. According to the World Health Statistics 2023 report, there have been significant reductions in per capita alcohol consumption in Europe (17% decrease) and Africa (18% decrease) between 2000 and 2019, while the Americas region has experienced stagnation, and significant increases in per capita consumption have been observed in the Southeast Asia (112% increase) and Western Pacific (40% increase) regions.

Additionally, a study published in Tension Trusted Source has found that even small amounts of alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure.

Current research on gambling shows that approximately 40% of adolescents engage in simulated gambling games. However, it is noted that even these games, which do not involve financial risk, can still increase individuals' interest in gambling. The shift of adults who grew up with video games and online gambling to sports betting is the newest area of interest for researchers trying to understand the effects on both people with gambling addiction and those exposed to gambling early.

In June 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published the "World Drug Report." According to the report, one out of every 17 individuals aged 15-64 has used at least one illicit drug within the past year. The estimated number of drug users increased from 250 million in 2011 to 296 million in 2021. Additionally, according to the European Drug Report, cannabis continues to be the most widely consumed illicit drug in Europe.

Efforts in public health require a special worldview, a different philosophy, and are an open field for collaboration not only for physicians but also for many professions related to health or social sciences.

Since public health efforts are directed towards society without individual demands and results take a long time to emerge, successful outcomes may not be immediately visible. Therefore, the primary source of satisfaction in preventing addiction is the improvement in the health status and quality of life of the communities in which individuals live. In this regard, the voluntary-based struggle of Country Green Crescents in the field of public health is a critical dynamic that nourishes global well-being and public health.