Health Surveillance

Date of Publication:

10/4/2004

Definition:

The systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of information on the health of a population and relevant health hazards, with timely dissemination of feedback to those who need it and can take action.  Comprehensive health surveillance provides actionable health-related information to military and medical decision-makers, allowing optimal incorporation of prevention and protection into training, plans, and operations.  A military surveillance system includes a routine functional capacity for data collection, analysis, and dissemination of information linked to military preventive medicine support of operations and training.