A recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report emphasizes the need for stronger data analytics skills among public health workers. The report highlighted a gap in the workforce’s ability to effectively address public health needs and disparities.

GAO assessed the Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to close workforce gaps and identified informatics-related skills as a key area where improvements are needed.

“GAO’s review found gaps between the existing public health workforce and the workforce needed. These gaps have existed across multiple occupations and jurisdictions and were exacerbated during public health emergencies. Gaps limit the ability of jurisdictions to conduct key public health functions, such as disease investigation and control, identification of hazards, and readiness to respond to emergencies,” the report said.

It further points out that public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Helene, and other threats, have highlighted the importance of a public health workforce that is ready to meet the needs of its citizens.