When there was a sudden spike in dengue cases a few years ago, it wasn’t just the doctors rushing for help. Behind the scenes, data analysts were tracing origins and deciphering patterns, quietly connecting the dots.
Those analysts were none other than the public health analysts, who helped save lives using insights and evidence-based decision-making. Let us learn more about them and what they do.
Who is a Public Health Analyst?
A public health analyst is a professional who gathers and interprets data to improve public health. They create awareness by teaching the public and sharing health information. They also aid in creating solutions, engaging with the public, policymakers and the media.
They may work on a range of subjects or specific concerns like mental health, environmental hazards or substance abuse. They may also have to participate in different initiatives like assessment of community health programs, contribute to educational seminars aimed at specific groups and analyse relevant data about environmental hazards.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a public health analyst?
Public health analysts have a wide range of responsibilities. These are:
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They perform research and analysis on public health issues using technology.
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They build and execute public health programs based on data.
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They enhance the effectiveness of health programs through data-driven insights.
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They organise and securely manage health records and program documentation.
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They adhere to HIPAA guidelines while handling sensitive patient information.
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They raise awareness about specific health issues by educating individuals, communities and organisations.
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They engage with policymakers, researchers and organisations to study public health concerns and support evidence-based decision-making.
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They prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate their findings to stakeholders, the public and government agencies.
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They study and analyse data on health issues like chronic diseases, infectious diseases and disparities in health outcomes.
What are the skills required to become a public health analyst?
Key skills necessary to become a public health analyst include:
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Research and analytical skills
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Communication skills
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Public speaking skills
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Statistical and data analysis
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Project management
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Problem-Solving skills
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Interpersonal Skills
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Technical and Data Management Proficiency
What are the associated entrance exams?
Undergraduate degrees leading to this career include Public Health, Biology, Biostatistics or Health Sciences. Relevant entrance exams for the same include CUET and state-level exams.
For postgraduate programs like Master of Public Health (MPH), Biostatistics or Epidemiology, exams such as CUET-PG and TISSNET are commonly accepted, depending on the specialisation and institution.
If you plan to pursue your degree abroad, you may need to take the SAT/ACT for undergraduate admission and the GRE for postgraduate studies. Additionally, IELTS or TOEFL scores are mandatory at both levels as proof of English proficiency required by most international universities.
What is the growth trajectory in this field?
Career progression in this field typically begins at the junior level and extends up to the director level. The hierarchy is as follows:
Junior Public Health Analyst (0-2 years)
This is an entry-level role where you will be expected to assist senior analysts with basic analysis, data collection and cleaning for public health projects.
Public Health Analyst (2-4 years)
They independently analyse data for specific public health programs, including uncovering trends and risk factors. They develop and maintain databases for health surveillance or research, and also prepare periodic reports and dashboards.
Senior Public Health Analyst (4-7 years)
They are responsible for overseeing complex analytical projects, end-to-end, from study design to methodology. They provide specialised analytical support for various initiatives and interpret findings for a diverse audience.
Lead Public Health Analyst (7-10 years)
They work as the primary analytical lead for key public health initiatives or divisions, supervise several analytical projects and guide program managers and leadership on strategic and data-driven decision-making.
Public Health Program Manager (10-15 years)
They oversee multiple public health programs, guiding their design, execution and assessment while ensuring alignment with institutional goals. They are also responsible for budget management and collaboration with external stakeholders.
Director of Public Health Analysis (15+ years)
They offer strategic leadership across all public health analytical operations, leading the development of data strategy and analytical frameworks. They shape organisational policies and resource distribution based on evidence.
What is the expected salary in this field?
An entry-level Public Health Analyst can expect an annual salary in the range of INR 4-7 lakhs, which can rise to INR 8-12 lakhs with experience, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. At the senior level, professionals can earn over INR 20 lakhs annually, depending on their specialisation, sector and years of experience. Currently, there are around 100-200 job openings across India for this role in both the government and private health sectors.
In terms of USD, the starting pay typically ranges from USD 30k-80k annually, which can increase to USD 70k-100k with experience. It can exceed USD 100k for senior or leadership positions in global health organisations.
Organisations that commonly hire public health analysts include the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Johns Hopkins University, Tata Trusts, Deloitte and IQVIA.
What are some common certifications in this field?
Certifications aren’t mandatory, but they will give you an advantage over other candidates with similar qualifications. Common public health certifications include:
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Certified in Public Health (CPH)
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Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
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Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)
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Certified Emergency Response Coordinator (CERC)
Who are the top role models in this field?
The most notable personalities in public health are Dr Randeep Guleria, Dr Soumya Swaminathan and Dr Chandrakant Lahariya. Renowned public health analysts and experts across the world include Dr Anthony Fauci, Dr Hans Kluge and Dr Maria Van Kerkhove.
They have made significant contributions to public health research, global disease prevention and health policy formulation, shaping how nations respond to health challenges and improve population well-being.
A career as a public health analyst isn’t just about crunching numbers, but also about identifying the patterns hidden within data that can transform how communities lead their lives. Working at the intersection of science, policy and human behaviour, public health analysts help shape healthier, less prejudiced societies. For those who find purpose in using data to drive positive change, this career can be deeply rewarding - both intellectually and emotionally.
