As we begin to look back, it is quite clear that there have been many notable public health achievements since the twentieth century began long ago on January 1, 1901. Prevention and its impact on death, illness, and disability is highlighted by the dramatic improvement in health and life expectancy.

During this 20th century, Anno Domini of the Christian era, the average lifespan of persons in this country has lengthened by greater than 30 years. Twenty-five years of this gain are clearly attributable to advances in public health.

Before 1900, there were few effective treatment and measures existing which would prevent infectious disease. During this century, vaccination has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, elimination of poliomyelitis, and control of measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B and other infectious diseases.

Common in 1900 were numerous work-related health problems, notably coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung), and silicosis. In this century, severe injuries and deaths related to mining, manufacturing, construction, and transportation have been greatly decreased.

Since 1900, infant mortality has decreased by 90% and maternal mortality has decreased 99%. This is the result of better hygiene and nutrition, the availability of antibiotics, greater access to health care, and technologic advances in medicine.

These are but a few of the results of this century’s preventive initiatives brought forward by the public health community.

— Peter Leibert, editor