Public health information systems and data standards are essential for public health informatics. The birth of modern vital records systems in the 19th century in England and the U.S. established standards for collecting data on births, deaths, and diseases. This data has been critical for analyzing health trends, identifying disease outbreaks, and informing public health policy. Today, electronic systems have largely replaced paper-based reporting and allow more robust analysis and sharing of surveillance data. Standards ensure consistency and interoperability in collecting and aggregating this important public health information.
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