Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Presentation

The objective of the National Epidemiology Centre is to acquire epidemiological knowledge of health-disease related problems and situations in order to improve the population’s level of health by monitoring public health, studying the pattern of diseases (transmissible and non-transmissible), quantifying their impact and monitoring their evolution, as well as conducting research on health-threatening factors, and training experts in epidemiology and public health.  Other tasks are being considered in view of the need to respond to epidemic situations and other public health incidents related to emerging diseases.

Functions

Its functions are as follows: 

a) The development of epidemiological alertness and management of the  Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (National Epidemological Alertness Network) pursuant to the provisions of Royal Decree 2210/1995, enacted on 28 December (RCL 1996, 235), in collaboration with the General Directorate of Public Health and Consumption, the National AIDS Program, Autonomous regions, national and international organizations, the European Union. Propose and develop specific alertness systems and publish and disseminate the «Boletín Epidemiológico Semanal». (Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin).

b) Coordinate, advice, carry out epidemiological studies, and generate the corresponding reports based on available information systems.  Carry out studies morbidity and mortality-based studies, casual studies on individual and group risk factors for the entire National Healthcare System. 

c) Epidemiological research on emerging problems, the most prevalent diseases in the population and particularly vulnerable groups, proposing public health intervention measures within the National Healthcare System.

d) Provide training to epidemiology and public health experts and researchers. Development and management of the epidemiology program applied on-the-field. 

e) Collaborate with Ministry and Agency general departments on health information and epidemic situation response related areas. 

f) Undertake as many actions and studies in its area of competency as may be required for providing support to the Ministry of Health and Consumption and the Autonomous Regions.