EPIDEMIOLOGY
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the causes, distribution, and control of diseases in populations.
 SURVEILLANCE
ØAn ongoing systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of health data relevant for control and prevention.
GOALS OF SURVEILLANCE
Reduce morbidity and mortality rate.
USES OF SURVEILLANCE
  • ØDetect epidemics
  • Portray trends of diseases/health events
  • Quantify morbidity and mortality
  • Detect changes in epidemiologic patterns
  • Evaluate hypothesis
  • Evaluate control and preventive measures
  • Stimulate research.

 FUNCTIONS OF ESUs

  • ØDevelop, maintain and evaluate public health surveillance systems in coordination with other LGUs, government and non-government agencies and regional or central health agencies.
  • Conduct outbreak investigation and control.
  • Conduct epidemiologic studies including surveys and program evaluations.
  • ØTrain or educate health personnel in epidemiologic methods including data collection, analysis and presentation.
  • ØCollect and maintain reference materials on epidemiology and public health.