Definition of Health

World Health Organization (WHO) 1948

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Advantages: aim is high, ideal and innovative

Limitations: vague, excessively broad, not measurable and impractical

World Health Organization (WHO) Revised 1984

The extent to which an individual or group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment.

Advantages: emphasized individualism, perceived health as an individual asset

Limitations: did not seem to be aware of the collective dimension, resulting in less attention paid to primary prevention programmes

The main challenge will be to carry out health care through collective efforts of the society.