['Public health status and perspectives' 1997. V. Effects of prevention]

For the 'Public health status and forecasts' 1997 attention has been given to the health benefit that could still be achieved by primary and secondary prevention. For selected examples of five types of methods of prevention (health education, vaccination, legislation and regulation, pharmaceutical prophylaxis and screening) the efficacy (the health benefit which can be achieved under optimal circumstances) is compared with the effectiveness (the health benefit achieved in practice). The potential health benefit through interventions aimed at (life-style related) determinants is considerable. It is advised to work towards a programmatic prevention strategy giving attention to ascertaining the correct target group and the most suitable intervention strategy, to regular evaluation of the effectiveness, to implementing an intersectoral approach and to clearly establishing the responsibilities at both the central and the local level.