Surveillance monitor and evaluate emerging patterns and trends of disease. Surveillance is crucial because it contributes to better prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases. Through the data collected, countries are able to set their priorities and develop targeted interventions to reverse the noncommunicable disease epidemic.

Surveillance costs include investment in human resources and infrastructure. Standardized protocols are available to produce comparable, as well as change-over-time, data to monitor risk factors, as well as policies being implemented. Using standardized questions, such as Tobacco Questions for Surveys is a cost-effective measure, and can be embedded in existing population-based surveys or censuses. Also, partnerships with national statistics offices or universities, research institutions and academia can expand surveillance capacity.