1. Covid-19 and other viruses.
  2. Climate change and health.
  3. Mental health and substance addiction.
  4. Gene therapy.
  5. Obesity treatment.
  6. Regulatory approvals.
  7. Cardiovascular disease.
  8. HIV.
  9. Substance abuse: Prescription drugs and alcohol.
  10. Policies that broadly affect Americans’ well-being

Other significant issues include abortion rights, drug pricing, and LGBTQI+ discrimination protections, which are also expected to be top health issues in 2024.

Covid-19 and Other Viruses.The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a significant public health challenge in 2024. Despite the availability of vaccines, the emergence of new variants and the need for continued vaccination efforts pose a threat to global health. In addition to Covid-19, other viruses such as influenza also present ongoing challenges, requiring sustained public health measures and surveillance to prevent and control outbreaks

Climate Change and Health.Climate change has wide-ranging impacts on public health, including extreme weather events, changing disease patterns, and food and water insecurity. The health impacts of climate change have been increasingly recognized as a major public health challenge. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects, as well as to protect vulnerable populations from its health consequences

Mental Health and Substance AddictionMental health and substance addiction continue to be pressing public health concerns in 2024. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive mental health care services, substance abuse treatment programs, and efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction

Gene TherapyAdvances in gene therapy present both opportunities and challenges for public health. While gene therapy holds promise for treating a wide range of genetic disorders, it also raises ethical, social, and regulatory considerations. Public health efforts in this area will need to ensure equitable access to gene therapies, address safety and ethical concerns, and navigate regulatory frameworks to maximize the benefits of this rapidly evolving field

Obesity Treatment.Obesity continues to be a significant public health challenge, with implications for numerous health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Addressing obesity requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and community-based interventions to create environments that support healthy choices. Public health efforts also need to address disparities in obesity prevalence and access to obesity treatment services

Regulatory Approvals.Regulatory approvals for new medical interventions, including drugs, biologics, and medical devices, are a critical public health issue. Ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products while expediting access to innovative treatments is a complex and evolving challenge. Public health efforts in this area aim to strike a balance between promoting innovation and protecting public health, often involving close collaboration between regulatory agencies, industry, and the scientific community

Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Public health efforts to address cardiovascular disease encompass prevention, early detection, and management of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. These efforts also include promoting heart-healthy lifestyles, improving access to quality care, and addressing disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes

HIVDespite significant progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV, the virus continues to be a major public health challenge, particularly in certain regions and populations. Efforts to address HIV encompass prevention strategies, testing and early diagnosis, access to antiretroviral therapy, and addressing social and structural determinants of health that contribute to HIV transmission and impact the well-being of people living with HIV

Substance Abuse: Prescription Drugs and AlcoholSubstance abuse, including the misuse of prescription drugs and alcohol, remains a significant public health concern. Addressing substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Public health efforts also aim to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse and promote policies that support evidence-based interventions to prevent and address substance use disorders

Policies That Broadly Affect Americans’ Well-Being.Policies that broadly affect the well-being of the population are integral to public health. These policies encompass a wide range of areas, including social determinants of health, access to healthcare, environmental regulations, and health equity. Public health efforts in this domain aim to inform and advocate for policies that promote the health and well-being of all individuals and communities, addressing underlying determinants of health and advancing health equity

In conclusion, the top 10 public health challenges in 2024 encompass a diverse array of issues, ranging from infectious diseases and mental health to regulatory approvals and policies that affect the well-being of populations. Addressing these challenges requires sustained and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, public health, government, and communities, to promote and protect the health of individuals and populations.