Current epidemiological situation

Since the 60-ties of the previous century infectious diseases are no longer the major killer. One reason for this change was the introduction of successful universal vaccinations programmes. Because the immunization programmes were very well accepted in the society, they had tremendous impact on the disappearance of some diseases (smallpox, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, typhoid fever). Another reason for limitation of infectious diseases in Poland was systematic improvement of the sanitary situation in post-war Poland.

Currently the main causes of mortality are heart diseases and cancer. Also, an increasing air pollution especially in cities and major industrial centres, is a concern for health.