The notion of compression of morbidity was the guiding principle of public health a generation ago.
If one could postpone the onset of chronic disease and disability to a later age, the total lifetime burden of illness could be reduced, compressing it into a shorter period at the end of life.
The goal was to increase not only lifespans, but also healthspans.
Public health systems are designed to enable individuals to live long, healthy lives, before experiencing a brief, sudden decline in their final months.
Clinical Editorial
The Lancet Public Health published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 01 May 2026. The item focuses on An opportunity to confront multimorbidity. Open the detail page to review the full original feed content.
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