Sanitary and epidemiological surveillance in Poland from 1945 to 1989

In this article, selected issues concerning sanitary and epidemiological surveillance in post-war Poland (until 1989) have been described. Sanitary problems which occurred in Poland directly after the Second World War and the development of infectious diseases' epidemiology have been included. This paper aims to summarize the establishment, development and modification of sanitary and epidemiological structures, the introduction of vaccinations as well as other medical means of overcoming infectious diseases, improving people's living conditions and health situation. Literature related to the topic and archival materials from the Voivodeship Sanitary-Epidemiological Station in Gdansk were used. Archives included a vaccination programme valid between 1975 and 1989 and a two-week specimen report concerning morbidity rates of infectious diseases and chemical poisoning. Thanks to the archival materials, issues concerning infectious diseases were emphasized. The the utilized literature brought out the National Institute's for Public Health role as an authority in the cooperation with other healthcare institutions, influenced the formation and organization of sanitary and epidemiological service in Poland.