Modern health systems are unrivalled by any in history in their ability to treat major conditions, but the risks they face are increasingly complex. Factors including ageing populations and rising co-morbidities, and the impacts of globalisation - such as increased availability of harmful commodities like tobacco and ultra-processed foods, and the faster spread of infectious diseases that comes with growth in international travel - change health behaviours and outcomes over time, in ways which can go undetected. These factors, among others, make it essential to monitor trends in health threats and outcomes to make sure that timely action can be taken to protect population health.
In this, Public Health Observatories (PHOs) play a crucial yet often overlooked role. Instrumental in collecting, analysing, and disseminating data that informs public health policy and practice, they:
- conduct objective and unbiased research
- address locally specific health issues without the constraints of national policy
- innovate in their approaches to data collection and analysis
- foster trust within communities by being transparent and accountable.
What is a Public Health Observatory?
A PHO is an entity that focuses on the systematic collection and analysis of health data. Unlike traditional health departments or regulatory agencies like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PHOs are often independent bodies. This independence allows them to provide unbiased, evidence-based insights that can drive effective public health strategies. While the functions of PHOs in England are integrated into the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Observatories still operate in Wales and Scotland.
Benefits of a PHO
While CDCs and similar bodies are critical for setting national health policies and responding to health crises, PHOs complement their work by providing localised, in-depth data. They often work collaboratively with these agencies to ensure that the data collected is comprehensive and actionable. This partnership is vital for creating a robust public health infrastructure that can respond to both immediate health threats and long-term health trends.
During the Zika virus outbreak in the United States in 2015-16, a collaboration between a PHO and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention successfully addressed the public health challenge, ensuring a coordinated and effective response:
- PHOs in affected areas (such as the Florida Department of Health) conducted localised surveillance and provided data on Zika cases, mosquito populations, and birth defects.
- The CDC provided guidance on testing and prevention, supported state and local health departments with resources and expertise, and coordinated the national response including travel advisories and research on the virus’s impact on pregnancy and microcephaly.
Global Priorities and Gaps in Data
There is global recognition of the importance of health promotion, prevention, and protection activities. Reflected in key global policy and programmes such as the WHO’s Triple Billion Aim – aiming for tangible improvements in global population health, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on good health and wellbeing under SDG 3. Access to high-quality, timely data is central to each of these programmes, both in terms of monitoring progress, and providing evidence for effective prioritisation and decision-making to implement timely interventions.
A data-driven approach is essential to delivering measurable improvements to the heath of a population. While some health systems are supported by advanced PHOs, underpinned by mature data collection processes which have developed over time, many still have little access to high-quality population data. This limits their ability to plan health promotion and prevention campaigns which target risks and behaviours to improve outcomes among their populations.
Invitation to Public Health Observatories (PHOs) to Connect and Collaborate
We are keen to learn from PHOs around the globe and understand the unique challenges and successes they encounter. If you work with, have experience with a PHO, or could introduce us to someone who does, we would love to hear from you. Your insights could help us enhance our own public health strategies and improve health outcomes in our communities.
We would especially like to build a collaborative dialogue around the crucial work of PHOs. Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments or reach out directly.
