Role of Public Health in Pandemics

Abstract

While all sectors of society are involved in preparedness and response, public health plays a significant role in pandemics. Yet the work of public health is invisible and largely unrecognized by society. It may be due to the fixation on front liners and not having a sight of larger perspective. But the current pandemic sheds light on the need to support public heath activities such as disease surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, all-hazards preparedness and response; policy development and support; communications; community partnership development; and organizational competencies.