In a changing and inter-connected world, evidence-based information is essential for effectively addressing health problems. In this context, epidemiology plays an important role in providing data that can help setting priorities in an environment of limited resources, in planning of strategies and policies, and in advocating for timely and coordinated action.

This important and comprehensive book contains the proceedings of the SEA Regional conference on Epidemiology, held in New Delhi, 8-10 March 2010. The conference was attended by 350 delegates from within and outside the South-East Asia Region. The volume focuses on topics covered in the conference such as: enduring relevance of epidemiology; role of epidemiology in the context of health security; MDGs and epidemiology; climate change: assessing vulnerability and defining adaptation strategies; economic crisis and health of the poor: how epidemiology can help; use of epidemiology in monitoring and evaluating health interventions; human resource and capacity building, and research and policy interface.

In addition, the volume provides some real-time examples of application of epidemiological principles in program development and management, and in disease control and elimination/eradication. The contributors highlight the country experiences and success stories. They also demonstrate how epidemiological principles can be applied in various program areas such as control of communicable or non-communicable diseases; maternal and child health as well as public health emergencies such as natural disasters; and disease outbreaks or pandemics such as H1N1.

Other important topics include leadership, management and epidemiology; and research methods and scientific writing.

Based on the actual experiences from the field and reflecting the needs at country level, this book will be invaluable source of information for all those engaged in teaching of epidemiology and in application of epidemiological principles for public health action. In particular, it will be of immense use to public health professionals, health care workers, academic fraternity, decision makers, teaching institutions as also to international agencies and civil society working on public health.