Is it our government's job to educate the public on health and disease prevention to prevent another Spanish Flu?

Question

Spanish Flu from 1917-1919 killed roughly 100 Million people (5% of  the worlds population). There wasnt vaccines or health protocols to prevent the spread of such a strong, fast moving virus.  
Do you think it is the responsibility of our governments today to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of diseases or should it just be left to our doctors?
Also for conversation- Should the world adopt a health organization such has the WHO that has more political power over governments, such a mandatory hearings from professionals, public health penalties for not doing enough to prevent the widespread of disease?

Answer

Yes, both government and health providers. 
In my country we have the Health Ministery that publishes protocols and all sorts of evidence based informations. They release them in form of online pamphlets or books. There are some for infectious diseases, chronic diseases, specific illness and situations, prenatal care, pediatric care, specific files for some areas with different needs than others... you get the idea. They also make files for citizens that are often printed and offered in basic health units for the general populations.
Basically, most healthcare here is based on what the health ministery's gives as protocols and such. I've lots of times studied through their files instead of textbooks because the information is very good.

Answer

We have ads, from federal and provincial governments, as well as our provincial health care board notifying us of disease outbreaks and prevention. 
For example. There is a federal ad running that says “As a parent you do everything you can to protect them. So do vaccines. Please speak to your doctor on getting your child vaccinated.” “This is a message from the government of Canada.” 
A prime example of local (provincial) would be the province I am in, is currently dealing with a syphilis outbreak, most cases being in the northern area. So now the province is running ads on getting yourself screened for STDs/STIs regularly. 
Doctors can only do so much when they may see a person once every few years if that. It does help having the health boards (Health Canada and AHS) step in and make people aware. 
I do believe this should also include silencing anti science propaganda groups. There is literally nothing more dangerous than misinformation when it comes to health.

Answer

Every state has local health departments that already do this.

Answer

Yes, it’s absolutely the governments responsibility. Flu is a threat to the nation. 
I don’t like the idea of an outside agency holding that much power over independent governments.

Answer

And answering the other question, I wouldn't trust one mundial organization to have political power over other country's public health matters. 
If there were such a thing in sure most people there would be just a very small representation of the world - mostly North Americans and maybe europeans. There is no way they can understand what are the specific needs of each country in the world - there are several of countries in different epidemiologic ladders, different climates, social and economic situations and all of that interferes what are the health needs of those populations. I'd be more likely to like this idea if each country had it's own health agency with political powers, and not just one for the whole world.

Answer

They already do this.

Answer

More people should be taught proper hygiene at least from health professionals. Preferably several times in elementary school to create good habits. 
We would be way better off if people stopped spreading things around cause they are lazy. 
*constantly notice people not properly washing their hands after using the restroom, poor food handling and cross contamination, etc....the list is endless

Answer

Its insane how little people know about their own bodies and how to protect themselves. People will spend hours researching guns or boats or another passion, but have no idea how their immune system works. Its very easy to type "flu prevention" into a google search and find that you need to frequently wash your hands, stay away from sick people, disinfect surfaces, etc.
The CDC has information out there, people just have to look for it.

Answer

It’s actually what they want.

Answer

In the UK they have entire advertisement campaigns about this kinda stuff so yeah

Is it our government's job to educate the public on health and disease prevention to prevent another Spanish Flu?

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