Description: Health surveillance refers to the continuous and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data. This process is fundamental for identifying trends, evaluating interventions, and formulating public health policies. Health surveillance enables health authorities and researchers to monitor the occurrence and spread of diseases, as well as assess the impact of health programs and the effectiveness of treatments. Additionally, it focuses on collecting data on risk factors, health conditions, and social determinants that affect population health. Surveillance can be active, where information is proactively sought, or passive, where data is expected to be reported by other entities. This systematic approach not only helps detect disease outbreaks but also provides valuable information for planning and responding to public health emergencies. In an increasingly interconnected world, health surveillance has become essential for addressing global challenges such as pandemics, chronic diseases, and environmental health, ensuring that decisions are based on solid and up-to-date evidence.
History: Health surveillance has its roots in the 19th century when monitoring systems were established to control outbreaks of infectious diseases. One of the most significant milestones was the creation of the International Office of Public Health in 1907, which laid the groundwork for international cooperation in disease surveillance. Throughout the 20th century, surveillance expanded with the development of new technologies and statistical methods, allowing for more detailed analysis of health data. In the 1960s, epidemiological surveillance was formalized as a discipline, and in recent decades, advances in computing and biotechnology have transformed how health data is collected and analyzed.
Uses: Health surveillance is used in various areas, including identifying disease outbreaks, evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs, and researching risk factors. It is also essential for planning health resources and responding to emergencies. Health authorities use this data to develop informed policies and intervention strategies, as well as to educate the public about health practices.
Examples: An example of health surveillance is the infectious disease surveillance system implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO), which monitors the spread of diseases such as Ebola and influenza. Another case is the use of digital tools for real-time health tracking, where users can report symptoms and receive information about local outbreaks. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented surveillance systems to track cases and contacts, which helped contain the spread of the virus.
