What are the three core functions of public health?

• A. Diagnosis, Treatment, Evaluation
• B. Assessment, Policy Development, Assurance
• C. Prevention, Intervention, Control
• D. Research, Education, Service Delivery

Answer: (B)

The three essentials of public health practice are assessment, policy development, and assurance. Assessment involves gathering and analyzing data to understand the health status and needs of a community—finding out who is affected, how big the problem is, and where it is most urgent. Policy development uses those insights to craft evidence-based strategies and public policies aimed at improving health outcomes, setting priorities, and planning actions. Assurance is about making sure those health needs are actually met by ensuring essential public health services are delivered, laws and regulations are implemented and enforced, a competent workforce is available, resources are allocated appropriately, and programs are evaluated for effectiveness.

This set best matches the listed options because it reflects the official framework guiding how public health operates. The other choices describe activities seen in clinical care or general program work, but they don’t align with the triad that defines public health practice.