Surveillance information is used to guide policy and disease prevention programs by which groups?

• A. Pharmaceutical companies only
• B. Private insurers only
• C. Government agencies, health care providers, and the public
• D. Individual patients only

Answer: (C)

Surveillance information guides policy and prevention efforts across the public health system. Government agencies analyze trends to set priorities, allocate resources, and develop regulations and guidelines. Health care providers use surveillance signals to detect outbreaks, target screening and vaccination, and adjust clinical practices to prevent spread. The public benefits from timely data that informs personal and community prevention actions and helps tailor public health campaigns. While other groups may use data in some contexts, the primary users for guiding policy and disease prevention programs are government agencies, health care providers, and the public.