Disease epidemiology is a critical field focused on understanding, monitoring, and mitigating the spread of diseases within populations. It plays a vital role in public health by identifying patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2019, underscored the importance of robust epidemiological systems. The high infectivity of the disease brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems across the globe. Governments implemented strict measures, including lockdowns, mass testing, and vaccination campaigns, to contain its spread and protect vulnerable populations.