ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the state of the art in technological solutions to disease surveillance. It provides very useful information in the understanding how to set up and maintain a successful disease surveillance capability for years to come. The book discusses the core capacities and the timeline countries have in order to implement the core tenets of the International Health Regulations. It presents the considerations that countries must make when trying to implement an electronic disease surveillance capability. The book examines some of the legal terminology that is pertinent in the public health and disease surveillance, particularly when introducing technology in a space that utilizes person-based data. It addresses where the field of electronic disease surveillance can potentially go in the future. The book discusses possible solutions that have shown promise when considering the sustainability of systems.
