Public Health Surveillance Programs

Programs that provide for the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data regarding health-related events for use in public health action to reduce morbidity and mortality and to improve health. Public health surveillance activities are generally authorized by legislators and carried out by public health officials; and may vary by jurisdiction. Included may be surveillance of infectious, chronic, or zoonotic diseases; injuries; exposures to toxic substances; health promoting or damaging behaviours; and other events associated with public health action.