Foreword
The health systems in several developing countries are facing multiple challenges. These include resource constraints, the effects of globalization, financial crisis, the impact of climate change on health, emergence of new infectious diseases, burgeoning burden of noncommunicable diseases, rapid urbanization and degradation of the environment. Within the health systems, larger allocations are made for patient care vis-à-vis public health action. This has led to a weakening of public health capacity which is so critical for mounting an effective response to address these issues. The challenges being faced by the health sector warrant strategic thinking, strengthening of the health infrastructure and improving its efficiency. This also demands evidence-based prioritization with the focus on most vulnerable populations to ensure equity and social justice. A basic tool for such decision making is the science of epidemiology that focuses on the distribution and determinants of health in populations, and using such data for action. To enhance the visibility of epidemiology and dissemination of its importance based upon global experiences, the South-East Asia Regional Conference on Epidemiology was organized by WHO in collaboration with several national and international partners. The Conference provided a platform to bring together various stakeholders and to create valuable learning experiences on several aspects of epidemiology in virtually all areas of health services. The discussions also yielded an invaluable insight into innovative approaches adopted in various settings to solve prevailing and emerging health problems. The deliberations highlighted the value of evidence-based information to sharpen the focus of public health actions to respond to community needs. I am happy to note that the Conference was extremely successful in achieving its primary objectives - promoting the role of epidemiology for public health action and advocating for its application for national programme development and management. The deliberations at this Conference which are published in these proceedings and the guiding principles articulated in the Delhi Declaration provide a valuable means to use epidemiological principles in the delivery of health interventions with speed, scale and sustainability. This, in turn, can help improve access to and quality of health services as well as facilitate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Dr Samlee Plianbangchang Regional Director