Which are the three core functions of public health?

• A. Assessment
• B. Assessment, Policy Development, Assurance
• C. Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
• D. Monitoring, Intervention, Education

Answer: (B)

These three functions—assessment, policy development, and assurance—form the framework for guiding public health practice.

Assessment means systematically gathering and analyzing information about the health of a community, including detecting health problems, needs, and resources. This helps identify what actions are needed.

Policy development involves using the gathered evidence to create and prioritize policies and plans that address those health issues, guiding decisions across sectors and setting clear priorities.

Assurance is about making sure the necessary health services and interventions are available and accessible, that the public health and healthcare workforce is competent, and that programs are implemented, evaluated, and, when needed, enforced through appropriate laws and regulations.

This trio best captures the population-focused approach of public health. The other options mix clinical care concepts (which focus on individual patients) or combine activities that aren’t the established three-function framework for public health.