Public health vs global health

Public health protects and improves the health of a whole population. Global health deals with health problems that cross national borders.

Updated 12 October 2026 (1 minute read)

Summary

  • Public health works through measures such as vaccination, screening, clean air rules and the tax on sugary drinks.
  • In England the UK Health Security Agency leads on infectious disease and other health threats, and each council responsible for public health has a director of public health.
  • Global health problems need countries to act together. Pandemics and antibiotic resistance are examples.
  • The World Health Organization coordinates the international response.

Interview questions

  • What is the difference between public health and global health?
  • Should the UK send vaccines abroad before its own population is fully protected?
  • Why is antibiotic resistance a problem that no country can solve alone?

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Our interview preparation has you answer questions like these out loud, with feedback on each answer.

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