Field Epidemiology Training Programs

Abstract

EPIDEMIOLOGY, the basic science of preventive medicine, is the scientific process of assembling facts about health problems and the groups in which these health problems occur so that inferences can be made that lead to their control and prevention. Epidemiologic techniques, properly applied, are powerful tools to improve the health of nations. Epidemiologic methods can measure the health status of populations, measure the prevalence of risk factors within populations, identify new disease threats within populations and from one population to another (especially threats from emerging organisms), determine and quantify the utilization of health services and health resources, and determine the impact of health-promoting and disease-preventing interventions. By communicating properly analyzed and interpreted epidemiologic information in a timely manner to policymakers and planners, relevant health policies can be formulated, implemented, and monitored. <h3>THE ROLE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY IN NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS</h3> The well-known adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a