
Public health surveillance systems
Public health surveillance systems are organized methods used by health authorities to continuously collect, analyze, and interpret health-related data. These systems track disease patterns, outbreaks, and health trends across populations to identify risks and inform decision-making. By monitoring information such as infection rates or vaccination coverage, they help detect emerging health threats early, guide public health actions, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Essentially, these systems serve as an early warning network, enabling timely responses to protect communities and improve overall health outcomes.