The 10 Essential Public Health Services and Core Functions Explained
In short: Public health agencies have three core functions — assessment, policy development and assurance — delivered through ten essential services, from monitoring health status to building a skilled workforce.
The three core functions
The 1988 US Institute of Medicine report 'The Future of Public Health' grouped public health work into assessment (collecting and analysing data), policy development (using evidence to set priorities) and assurance (making sure services are available).
The ten essential services
First published in 1994 and updated in 2020, they are: assess population health; investigate and address hazards; communicate effectively; strengthen community partnerships; create and champion policies and laws; use legal and regulatory actions; ensure equitable access; build a diverse, skilled workforce; improve through evaluation and research; and build a strong organisational infrastructure. Equity sits at the centre of the updated framework.
Applying them in Nepal
EWARS surveillance and the HMIS/DHIS2 system serve assessment; national policies and the Public Health Service Act serve policy development; and basic health service packages at local level serve assurance. WHO's essential public health functions offer a similar global framework.
Key takeaways
- Assessment, policy development and assurance are the core functions.
- The 2020 update places equity at the centre.
- Surveillance systems like EWARS support assessment.
Common questions
Who created the 10 essential services?
A US federal working group in 1994; they were revised in 2020.
Is this asked in Loksewa exams?
Core functions and essential services are common topics in public health licensing and civil service exams.
References
Educational content by PHC-Nepal. It does not replace advice from a qualified health professional.