Operational definition

It is essential for policy- and decision-makers to have an updated, reliable and clear status of health distribution in their country. This function refers to the provision of information and intelligence to health needs assessments, health impact assessments and to planning for health services.

• Surveillance tools and resources  
• Collection of data for subsequent action 
• Integration, analysis, reporting and use in policy development and evaluation.

Scope of the function 

Surveillance tools and resources

• Population surveys (multiple indicator cluster surveys, demographic health survey), including health examination surveys 
• Disease registries
• Environmental sample-taking (air, water and soil)
• Civil registration and vital statistics
• Public health laboratory system
• Health technology assessment tools
• Health expenditure surveys.

Collection of data for subsequent action

• Quality and availability of data
• Health system performance
• Health management information system.

Integration, analysis, reporting and use in policy development and evaluation

• Analysis of health indicators data for the purpose of health sector planning
• Compliance with International Health Regulations
• Compliance with regard to NCD monitoring reports
• Development of annual health statistical reports
• Monitor and report on regional or global movements.