Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO)
in
Background
"Many agencies are involved in collecting and using information about health and disease in the population. Yet in some cases, information may not be available or may be unreliable ... at local level, data may be even patchier.”
In response to this finding in the
The Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO) now represents a network of 12 observatories working across
Observatories can support local, regional and national bodies by:
- providing high-quality information to support decision-making aimed at improving health and reducing health inequalities;
- establishing a cost-effective infrastructure for monitoring and surveillance of the public’s health;
- working with partner organisations and agencies to develop a systematic and usable evidence base of interventions covering the whole spectrum of public health activity, focusing particularly on evidence of cost-effective public health interventions;
- providing methodological advice and support to ensure that local data collection and modelling methods are as robust and valid as possible;
- making efficient use of information and communications technologies in support of decision-making across the spectrum of public health activity
- building public health capacity by supporting public health; professionals in developing their skills in health surveillance and information management.
APHO provides an important link between regional observatories and is a valuable forum for both disseminating good practice and for coordinating action across observatories.
APHO’s work is coordinated by an executive, of which
Aims
The key objectives for APHO are to provide:
- a learning network for members and participants;
- a single point of contact for external partners;
- an advocate for users of public health information;
- a coordinator of work across observatories.
Progress report
The APHO website gives an overview of its members’ work.
Contact: Brian Ward
