Scientific Sessions

Community and Public Health Nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on promoting and protecting the health of individuals, families, and communities through preventive care, education, and health promotion initiatives. Unlike hospital-based nursing, which primarily addresses acute illnesses, community and public health nursing emphasizes the prevention of diseases, early detection, and the improvement of overall well-being. This branch of nursing works within community settings—such as schools, workplaces, rural health centers, and urban clinics—aiming to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare services. Nurses in this field play a vital role in assessing community health needs, planning and implementing interventions, and evaluating their effectiveness. Their responsibilities often extend beyond direct patient care to include policy advocacy, environmental health awareness, and collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations to improve public health outcomes.

Public health nurses often work with diverse populations, addressing health challenges ranging from infectious disease control to chronic disease management, maternal and child health, mental health promotion, and disaster preparedness. They utilize evidence-based practices to design educational programs, vaccination drives, and health screenings, while fostering community engagement and self-care practices. Their work is guided by principles of social justice, cultural competence, and holistic care, ensuring that interventions are sensitive to the social, economic, and cultural contexts of the populations they serve. In a rapidly changing world—marked by globalization, climate change, and emerging health threats—community and public health nursing is essential in building resilient communities and strengthening healthcare systems. By bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the public, these nurses not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of public health at local, national, and global levels.