Introduction to Biomedical Epidemiology Unit

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of diseases or health states, factors that influence them, and its application to the control of diseases. Therefore, epidemiological research assesses the occurrence of health and disease states, factors that may increase or reduce the likelihood of health or disease, and the causal relationship between these exposures and outcomes in human populations. One of the important tools in epidemiology is biostatistics; thus biostatistics is an integral part of epidemiology. The core function of the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit is to conduct epidemiological research. The research projects in the Unit consist of studies on the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases that are prevalent in this country. Apart from conducting research, the Unit provides training and consultancy in epidemiology and biostatistics and is also involved in outbreak investigations.