3 Core Functions of Public Health: Decoding & Protecting

Public health systems worldwide rely on the foundational principles established within the 10 Essential Public Health Services framework, a guide operationalized through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These services are directly linked to what are the three core functions of public health, which dictate the responsibilities of public health agencies in protecting populations from health threats. Integral to this framework is the concept of epidemiology, the study of disease patterns, which informs the actions taken by public health officials and organizations to promote community health and well-being, particularly as addressed in the seminal 1988 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, "The Future of Public Health."

Understanding the Foundations of Public Health

Public health is a multifaceted field dedicated to protecting and improving the health and well-being of entire populations. It transcends the individual focus of clinical medicine, instead, embracing a broader, community-oriented perspective.

The Expansive Scope of Public Health

Public health initiatives are not limited to treating illnesses. They encompass a wide array of activities aimed at preventing disease, promoting wellness, and ensuring a healthier environment for all.

This includes everything from:

• Disease surveillance and outbreak control
• Health education and promotion campaigns
• Environmental health protection
• Policy development and advocacy

The scope of public health truly reflects its commitment to population-level health outcomes.

Preventing Disease and Promoting Health

At its core, public health seeks to proactively prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles. This is achieved through organized community efforts that address the underlying determinants of health.

These efforts may involve:

• Implementing vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases
• Promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity
• Reducing exposure to environmental hazards
• Ensuring access to essential healthcare services

By focusing on prevention and health promotion, public health aims to improve the overall quality of life and prolong life expectancy.

The Three Core Functions: A Framework for Action

The practice of public health is guided by three essential functions: Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance. These core functions provide a framework for addressing public health challenges and ensuring the health of communities.

Assessment involves systematically collecting and analyzing data to identify health problems and needs. This provides the foundation for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.

Policy Development utilizes scientific evidence and community input to create policies that promote public health. This includes laws, regulations, and programs designed to address specific health issues.

Assurance focuses on ensuring that essential public health services are available to all members of the community. This includes monitoring health outcomes, enforcing health laws, and providing access to healthcare and other vital resources.

These three functions are interconnected and work together to create a comprehensive approach to public health. They serve as the bedrock upon which effective public health initiatives are built, contributing to healthier and more resilient communities.

The Cornerstone: Exploring the Three Core Functions

Having established the foundational understanding of public health, it is imperative to delve into the operational framework that guides its practice. The core functions – Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance – represent the fundamental responsibilities of public health agencies and professionals, forming the bedrock upon which all public health activities are built.

Assessment: Understanding Community Health

Assessment is the systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to the health of a community. It serves as the crucial first step in identifying health problems, understanding risk factors, and determining available resources.

This function provides a comprehensive snapshot of the community's health status, enabling public health officials to make informed decisions and prioritize interventions.

Identifying Health Problems and Risk Factors

The assessment process involves a multi-faceted approach to data collection. This may include monitoring disease trends, conducting health surveys, analyzing vital statistics, and evaluating environmental conditions.

By identifying patterns and trends, public health professionals can pinpoint specific health problems affecting the community and the risk factors contributing to their prevalence. For example, monitoring rates of obesity, diabetes, or heart disease can help identify at-risk populations and inform targeted interventions.

Resource Mapping and Needs Evaluation

In addition to identifying health problems, assessment also involves evaluating the resources available within the community to address those problems. This includes identifying healthcare facilities, community organizations, social services, and other assets that can contribute to improving health outcomes.

Furthermore, assessment helps to determine the needs of the community, identifying gaps in services and areas where additional resources are required. This comprehensive understanding of the community's health status and available resources informs the subsequent steps of policy development and assurance.

Policy Development: Shaping Public Health Strategies

Policy development involves using scientific evidence and community input to create policies that promote public health. This function bridges the gap between assessment and action, translating data and knowledge into concrete strategies for improving health outcomes.

It necessitates the creation of strategies and plans designed to address the specific health issues identified during the assessment phase.

Evidence-Based Policymaking

Effective policy development relies on the use of scientific evidence to inform decision-making. Public health professionals must stay abreast of the latest research findings and best practices in order to develop policies that are effective and evidence-based.

This includes considering the potential impact of policies on different populations and ensuring that policies are equitable and accessible to all members of the community.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Policy development is not solely a top-down process; it also requires the active engagement of community members. Public health professionals must solicit input from diverse stakeholders, including residents, community leaders, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.

This ensures that policies are responsive to the needs of the community and that they are developed in a collaborative and transparent manner. Advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting public health policies and ensuring that they are implemented effectively.

Assurance: Ensuring Access to Public Health Services

Assurance focuses on ensuring that essential public health services are accessible to all members of the community. This function involves the implementation, enforcement, and ongoing evaluation of public health policies and programs.

The ultimate goal of assurance is to guarantee the effective delivery of services and the protection of public health.

Implementation and Enforcement

Implementing public health policies and programs requires careful planning, coordination, and resource allocation. Public health agencies must work in collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

Enforcement of health codes and regulations is also a critical aspect of assurance. This ensures that individuals and organizations comply with public health standards and that violations are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Assurance also involves the ongoing evaluation of public health policies and programs to determine their effectiveness and impact. This includes collecting data on program outcomes, assessing the reach and accessibility of services, and soliciting feedback from community members.

Evaluation findings are used to identify areas for improvement and to refine policies and programs to better meet the needs of the community. This continuous cycle of evaluation and improvement is essential for ensuring that public health efforts are effective and sustainable.

Building Expertise: Foundational Fields of Study

Having established the foundational understanding of public health, it is imperative to delve into the operational framework that guides its practice.

The core functions – Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance – represent the fundamental responsibilities of public health agencies and professionals.

However, these functions are not executed in a vacuum; they are grounded in a robust body of knowledge derived from various academic disciplines.

These fields provide the scientific basis for understanding health challenges, developing effective interventions, and evaluating their impact on populations.

Let us explore the key foundational fields that underpin the practice of public health.

Epidemiology: Unraveling Disease Patterns

Epidemiology stands as a cornerstone of public health, serving as the science of understanding the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.

It moves beyond simply counting cases to investigate why certain diseases or conditions are more prevalent in some groups than others.

This involves systematically collecting and analyzing data to identify patterns, risk factors, and potential causes of disease.

By unraveling these complex relationships, epidemiologists inform the development of targeted interventions to prevent and control disease.

Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation

A critical function of epidemiology is disease surveillance, which involves the ongoing and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.

This allows public health officials to monitor trends in disease incidence and prevalence, detect outbreaks early, and implement timely interventions to prevent further spread.

Outbreak investigations are a prime example of applied epidemiology, where investigators work to identify the source of an outbreak, determine modes of transmission, and implement control measures to protect the public.

Biostatistics: Data-Driven Decision-Making

Biostatistics provides the essential tools for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health-related data.

This discipline applies statistical methods to design studies, evaluate interventions, and make data-driven decisions in public health.

From calculating disease rates to assessing the effectiveness of new treatments, biostatistics is indispensable for generating reliable and valid evidence.

Study Design and Statistical Inference

Biostatistics plays a crucial role in designing rigorous studies that can provide meaningful answers to public health questions.

This involves selecting appropriate study designs, determining sample sizes, and controlling for potential biases.

Statistical inference allows researchers to draw conclusions about a population based on data collected from a sample, providing a powerful tool for understanding health trends and evaluating interventions.

Environmental Health: Protecting Our Surroundings

Environmental health focuses on the complex interplay between environmental factors and human health.

This field recognizes that our surroundings can have a profound impact on our well-being, and aims to identify and mitigate environmental hazards that pose a threat to public health.

From air and water pollution to exposure to toxins and unsafe living conditions, environmental health addresses a wide range of challenges that can affect the health of individuals and communities.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

A key aspect of environmental health is the identification and assessment of environmental hazards.

This involves evaluating the potential risks associated with exposure to pollutants, toxins, and other environmental stressors.

Risk assessment helps public health officials prioritize interventions and implement strategies to protect populations from harmful exposures.

Taking Action: Essential Public Health Activities

Having established the foundational fields of study that underpin public health, it is crucial to examine the practical application of this knowledge. The following section details the essential activities undertaken by public health professionals to actively protect and improve population health, transforming theoretical understanding into tangible outcomes.

Health Promotion: Empowering Individuals and Communities

Health promotion encompasses a spectrum of activities designed to improve the health status of individuals, communities, and entire populations. It is not simply about disseminating information; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their own health and well-being.

This empowerment is achieved through a combination of education, the provision of necessary resources, and the establishment of supportive environments. Health promotion efforts seek to address the underlying determinants of health, recognizing that individual choices are often shaped by broader social, economic, and environmental factors.

Examples of health promotion activities include:

• Educational Programs: These programs aim to increase awareness and knowledge about health risks and protective behaviors.
• Community-Based Initiatives: These initiatives focus on creating healthier environments and promoting social support for healthy lifestyles.
• Policy Interventions: These interventions seek to create supportive policies that make it easier for individuals to make healthy choices.

Disease Prevention: Protecting Against the Threat of Illness

Disease prevention is a core function of public health, encompassing strategies and measures aimed at preventing the onset and spread of diseases. These activities are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality rates, and for protecting the overall health of the population.

Disease prevention efforts can be broadly categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

• Primary Prevention: This level focuses on preventing the initial occurrence of disease through measures such as vaccination, health education, and environmental protection.
• Secondary Prevention: This level focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of disease through screening programs and early treatment.
• Tertiary Prevention: This level focuses on managing existing diseases and preventing complications through rehabilitation and chronic disease management programs.

Key examples of disease prevention strategies include:

• Widespread Vaccination Programs: Immunization campaigns are crucial for preventing infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations.
• Comprehensive Screening Initiatives: Screening programs enable early detection of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Targeted Education Campaigns: Education campaigns can raise awareness about risk factors and promote behaviors that reduce the risk of disease.

Public Health Surveillance: Tracking and Analyzing Health Trends

Public health surveillance is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data. This critical activity provides essential information for detecting and monitoring health problems, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and guiding public health action.

Surveillance systems track a wide range of health indicators, including:

• Disease Incidence and Prevalence: Monitoring the number of new and existing cases of diseases.
• Risk Factors: Identifying factors that increase the risk of developing disease.
• Health Behaviors: Tracking behaviors that impact health, such as smoking, diet, and physical activity.

The data collected through surveillance systems is used to:

• Identify Emerging Health Threats: Detect outbreaks of infectious diseases and other health emergencies.
• Monitor Trends in Disease and Risk Factors: Track changes in the burden of disease and the prevalence of risk factors over time.
• Evaluate the Effectiveness of Interventions: Assess the impact of public health programs and policies.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Readiness in the Face of Crisis

Emergency preparedness and response is a critical area of public health that focuses on planning for and responding to public health emergencies. These emergencies can range from natural disasters and disease outbreaks to bioterrorism threats and chemical spills.

Effective emergency preparedness and response requires:

• Coordination: Collaboration among various agencies and organizations, including public health departments, healthcare providers, emergency management agencies, and community organizations.
• Resource Mobilization: The ability to quickly access and deploy necessary resources, such as personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Communication: Clear and timely communication with the public, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Planning for emergencies involves:

• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
• Developing Response Plans: Creating detailed plans for responding to specific emergencies.
• Conducting Training and Exercises: Preparing personnel and testing response capabilities.

Health Communication: Shaping Healthy Behaviors Through Effective Messaging

Health communication involves using communication strategies to inform, influence, and motivate individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Effective health communication is essential for promoting public health and preventing disease.

Health communication strategies include:

• Developing Impactful Health Campaigns: Creating campaigns that raise awareness about health issues and promote healthy behaviors.
• Disseminating Crucial Health Information: Providing timely and accurate information to the public through various channels, such as websites, social media, and traditional media.
• Engaging with the Public: Actively seeking input from the public and tailoring communication strategies to meet their needs.

Successful health communication requires:

• Understanding the Target Audience: Identifying the needs, beliefs, and values of the intended audience.
• Crafting Clear and Concise Messages: Developing messages that are easy to understand and remember.
• Using Multiple Channels of Communication: Reaching the target audience through a variety of channels.

Taking Action: Essential Public Health Activities Having established the foundational fields of study that underpin public health, it is crucial to examine the practical application of this knowledge. The following section details the essential activities undertaken by public health professionals to actively protect and improve population health, to guide actions for healthy communities and equity.

Guiding Principles: Key Concepts in Public Health

Public health operates on a foundation of core principles that steer its practice and shape strategies for achieving equitable health outcomes. Understanding these guiding principles is essential for comprehending the broader goals and ethical considerations within the field. Two paramount concepts, health equity and social determinants of health, significantly influence public health approaches and interventions.

Health Equity: Striving for Fairness in Health

Health equity is the principle that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. This does not imply that everyone receives the exact same resources or outcomes. Instead, it recognizes that systemic and structural barriers often prevent certain groups from achieving their full health potential.

Achieving health equity requires deliberate efforts to address health disparities and dismantle the obstacles that prevent marginalized populations from accessing optimal health.

Addressing Health Disparities

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes and their causes among groups of people. These differences are often linked to social, economic, and environmental disadvantages.

Addressing disparities demands a multi-faceted approach that includes:

• Identifying and understanding the specific factors driving these disparities within particular communities.

• Designing interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of these communities.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing disparities and improving health outcomes.

Advocating for Equitable Policies

Advocacy is a crucial component of achieving health equity. Public health professionals must actively advocate for policies that promote fairness and remove barriers to health.

This may involve supporting legislation that expands access to healthcare, increases funding for social safety nets, or addresses environmental hazards disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. It requires engaging with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about health inequities and promote evidence-based solutions.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): The Context of Well-being

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

These conditions encompass a broad spectrum of factors, including:

• Socioeconomic status
• Education
• Access to healthcare
• Neighborhood and physical environment
• Social support networks

Acknowledging the impact of SDOH is essential for designing effective public health interventions.

Recognizing the Broad Impact of SDOH

The influence of SDOH on health is profound. For example, individuals living in poverty may experience food insecurity, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare, all of which can negatively impact their health.

Similarly, people living in neighborhoods with high levels of pollution may be at increased risk for respiratory illnesses and other health problems.

Addressing SDOH requires a collaborative, cross-sector approach. Public health professionals must work with other sectors, such as education, housing, and transportation, to create healthier and more equitable communities.

Global and National Leaders: Prominent Public Health Organizations

Having examined the foundational concepts and essential activities that define the landscape of public health, it is vital to recognize the key organizations that drive progress, set standards, and respond to crises on both a global and national scale.

This section will explore the roles and responsibilities of these prominent entities, highlighting their contributions to shaping public health policy, conducting critical research, and safeguarding the health and well-being of populations worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO): A Global Mandate

The World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, stands as the leading authority on international health matters. Its mandate encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at improving global health outcomes.

Providing leadership on critical health issues and setting global health norms and standards are central to WHO's mission. This includes developing guidelines, recommendations, and frameworks for addressing a wide range of health challenges.

WHO also plays a crucial coordinating role in global health efforts, bringing together countries, organizations, and experts to tackle pressing issues such as infectious diseases, health emergencies, and health system strengthening.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Protecting America's Health

Within the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) serves as a primary force in protecting public health and safety.

As a federal agency, the CDC conducts critical research to better understand diseases and health risks, provides guidance to healthcare professionals and the public, and responds to public health threats both domestically and internationally.

The CDC's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including infectious diseases, chronic diseases, injury prevention, and environmental health. Its work is instrumental in preventing illness, promoting health, and ensuring the safety of communities across the nation.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Advancing Knowledge Through Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the U.S. government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

Its core mission is to support research that advances knowledge and improves human health outcomes. NIH-funded research spans a vast array of topics, from basic science discoveries to clinical trials evaluating new treatments and interventions.

By investing in cutting-edge research, the NIH contributes significantly to our understanding of health and disease, paving the way for innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): A Comprehensive Approach

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) serves as the principal agency of the United States government for protecting the health of all Americans.

HHS oversees a wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes, ensuring access to healthcare, and promoting social and economic well-being.

This department encompasses agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working collaboratively to address the complex challenges facing public health.

Accreditation and Representation: Strengthening the Public Health Infrastructure

Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of public health departments. PHAB provides accreditation to health departments that meet rigorous standards of performance and accountability.

State and Local Health Departments

Government agencies at the state and local levels are responsible for implementing public health programs, addressing local health needs, and enforcing public health regulations.

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) represents state and territorial public health agencies, providing a forum for collaboration, advocacy, and information sharing.

National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents local health departments, supporting their efforts to protect and promote the health of their communities.

American Public Health Association (APHA)

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a professional organization for public health professionals, advocating for evidence-based policies and promoting the highest standards of public health practice.

Pioneers of Progress: Influential Figures in Public Health History

Having explored the global and national organizational structures dedicated to advancing public health initiatives, it is equally important to acknowledge the visionary individuals whose pioneering work has profoundly shaped the field. This section recognizes key figures who have made indelible contributions to public health, examining their legacies and the lasting impact of their groundbreaking efforts.

Edwin Chadwick and the Sanitary Awakening

Edwin Chadwick (1800-1890) stands as a pivotal figure in the early history of public health. His work during the Victorian era in England helped transform public sanitation and social reform.

Chadwick's Report on the Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population of Great Britain (1842) was a landmark study. It meticulously documented the appalling living conditions endured by the working class.

The report forcefully argued that poor sanitation directly contributed to disease. It called for systemic improvements in drainage, sewage disposal, and water supply.

His unwavering advocacy for these sanitary reforms fundamentally shifted public awareness, linking environmental factors to public health outcomes. Chadwick helped usher in a new era of preventative medicine.

Chadwick's efforts led to the Public Health Act of 1848, a foundational piece of legislation that established public health infrastructure in England. It created local boards of health, empowering communities to address sanitation issues.

John Snow: The Father of Epidemiology

Dr. John Snow (1813-1858) is widely revered as the father of epidemiology. His meticulous investigation of the 1854 cholera outbreak in London revolutionized the understanding and control of infectious diseases.

Snow challenged the prevailing miasma theory. This theory held that diseases were caused by "bad air."

He hypothesized that cholera was transmitted through contaminated water. Snow conducted a detailed spatial analysis of cholera cases around the Broad Street pump.

His epidemiological mapping pinpointed the pump as the source of the outbreak, demonstrating a clear link between water contamination and disease transmission. Snow presented compelling evidence linking the cholera cases to a single water source.

His work marked a paradigm shift in understanding disease causation. He demonstrated the importance of data collection, spatial analysis, and rigorous investigation in identifying and controlling outbreaks.

Snow's findings underscored the critical role of clean water and sanitation in preventing waterborne diseases. His work established the foundation for modern epidemiological methods.

-E. A. Winslow: Defining the Scope of Public Health

Charles-Edward Amory Winslow (1877-1957) was a towering figure in 20th-century public health. He provided a defining conceptualization of the field.

Winslow's widely cited definition, articulated in 1920, emphasized the broad scope of public health.

He framed public health as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health. It involved organized community efforts.

Winslow articulated that these efforts required the sanitation of the environment, the control of communicable infections, the organization of medical and nursing services, and the development of social machinery. It was designed to ensure everyone a standard of living adequate for the maintenance of health, so organizing these benefits as to enable every citizen to realize his birthright of health and longevity.

Winslow's definition highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. It also encompassed the need to address the social and environmental determinants of health.

His emphasis on the "social machinery" required to ensure health equity reflected a progressive vision of public health. Winslow's vision continues to shape public health practice and education today.

The Rules of Engagement: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Having explored the contributions of influential figures to the field, it is now imperative to examine the legal and regulatory frameworks that provide the structural foundation for public health interventions. These frameworks define the scope of public health practice, empower agencies to act, and ensure accountability in the protection of population health.

This section outlines key legal and regulatory instruments that govern public health practice and provide the basis for public health interventions.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Public Health

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, represents a watershed moment in US healthcare policy. Its impact on public health is multifaceted.

The ACA’s primary goal was to expand access to health insurance, thereby reducing the number of uninsured Americans. By increasing coverage, the ACA aimed to improve access to preventive services, early diagnosis, and treatment.

This led to better health outcomes and reduced disparities.

Furthermore, the ACA provided significant funding for public health initiatives.

These initiatives included:

• Prevention and wellness programs.
• Workforce development.
• Public health infrastructure improvements.

The ACA's emphasis on prevention aligns with core public health principles. It promotes a shift from reactive care to proactive health management.

However, the ACA has faced ongoing legal and political challenges.

These challenges underscore the complex interplay between law, policy, and public health.

The Public Health Service Act

The Public Health Service Act (PHSA) is a cornerstone of federal public health law in the United States. It authorizes a wide range of activities carried out by the Public Health Service (PHS).

These activities include:

• Conducting research.
• Providing grants to states and local communities.
• Responding to public health emergencies.

The PHSA provides the legal basis for many federal agencies. It allows agencies to address critical health issues.

The Act has been amended numerous times since its enactment. It has adapted to evolving public health challenges and priorities.

State and Local Public Health Laws

While federal laws provide a broad framework, much of the direct implementation of public health interventions occurs at the state and local levels. State and local public health laws address a wide array of issues:

• Disease control.
• Environmental protection.
• Health regulations.

These laws vary significantly across jurisdictions. They reflect the diverse needs and priorities of different communities.

Effective public health practice requires a strong understanding of these state and local legal landscapes. Public health practitioners must also comply with the laws.

International Health Regulations (IHR) and Global Health Security

In an interconnected world, public health threats can rapidly cross international borders. The International Health Regulations (IHR) are an international legal instrument adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

They provide a framework for global health security.

The IHR aims to prevent and respond to acute public health risks. They could potentially cross borders and affect other states.

Key aspects of the IHR include:

• Establishing core capacities for surveillance and response.
• Requiring countries to report certain disease outbreaks and public health events of international concern.
• Promoting collaboration and information sharing among nations.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of the IHR. The pandemic also exposed challenges in their implementation and enforcement.

Strengthening global health security requires ongoing commitment to the IHR. It also necessitates collaborative efforts among nations.

These efforts would improve detection, prevention, and response to public health emergencies.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this gives you a clearer picture of the three core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance. They might sound a bit academic, but these functions are the engine that keeps our communities healthy and safe – protecting us all, often without us even realizing it. Pretty cool, right?