Final answer:
Dr. Abraham Jacobi made a significant contribution to children's welfare by initiating pediatric wards in hospitals, playing a part in various health reforms and advances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Option a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Abraham Jacobi is considered the father of pediatrics in the United States, and one of his significant contributions toward the welfare of children was the initiation of pediatric wards in hospitals. This major stride in healthcare represented a focused and specialized approach to treating the health issues of children.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed several public health advances, including the discovery of vaccines, the improvement of sanitation, and implementation of governmental public health policies. These initiatives, such as the introduction of free inoculations against smallpox and milk stations in urban areas, have been linked to positive externalities and the concept of public goods.
Overall, Dr. Jacobi’s efforts paved the way for future public health reforms, including free education, creation of health-related government jobs based on merit, and improvements in public health and living conditions.