The Role of Artists in Advancing Public Health Awareness in History

Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka

 Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Art has played a pivotal role in advancing public health awareness across centuries, acting as a medium for education, empathy, and advocacy. From early depictions of plagues and diseases to modern public health campaigns, artists have used various forms of expression to convey health messages, reduce stigma, and influence societal norms. This paper examines historical and contemporary examples of how art has been utilized to promote public health, from Louis Wain’s illustrations addressing tuberculosis to modern digital campaigns leveraging social media. It also explores the challenges of integrating art into public health initiatives, such as ethical concerns, funding limitations, and evidence gaps. Finally, it highlights opportunities for future collaborations between artists and public health stakeholders to innovate health communication and promote health equity. By blending creativity with public health, art has the potential to address pressing global challenges, foster resilience, and improve community well-being.

Keywords: art and public health, historical health campaigns, health communication, artists as advocates, creative public health solutions

CITE AS Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka. The Role of Artists in Advancing Public Health Awareness in History. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 9(2):1-5. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2024/9.2.1500