PUBLIC HEALTH DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND OUTBREAK RESPONSE

Abstract

Public health emergencies like infectious disease outbreaks, stampedes, and injuries are possible during large gatherings. People with non-communicable disorders are also at higher risk.  India hosts large celebrations of numerous festivals.  There isn't much operational study on syndromic surveillance during these kinds of occurrences, though.  In this regard, we recorded the application of syndromic surveillance using IT tools during a few South Indian public meetings.  Public health surveillance is the continuous, systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data and disseminating the resulting information in a timely fashion to those who need it to take action to prevent and control disease and injury. Public health surveillance is essential for health, finance, and donor ministries to understand the health and behaviour of the populations they serve. Surveillance has utility in gauging intervention needs and gauging effects, as it offers insight into population trends. By offering timely, pertinent information, surveillance can empower decision-makers to lead and manage better.