South-East Asia Regional Conference on Epidemiology: the proceedings

Abstract

Epidemiology is about the interplay and the interactions between human hosts, disease agents and their environments. It serves as a rationally logical foundation for public health and preventive medicine. Through the application of epidemiological principles, health systems are provided with evidence-based knowledge, the most important tool for their functioning. Knowledge about the distribution and extent of health problems and health issues enables them to be tackled through public health interventions. Together with the information on health risks and health determinants, this knowledge will lead to the development and implementation of rational policies and strategies for the provision of effective, promotive and preventive health care to the community. Evidence-based information can certainly help effectively in advocacy and education for health at all levels, in all populations. This information is also extremely important for education and training of all categories of health workforce."