The document discusses the challenges public health services face with information systems. It notes that public health works at the population level to address health determinants and prevent illness through partnerships. However, information systems are often designed for personal health records and clinical management rather than public health's broader evidence base and longer timeframes. Standardization can override flexibility if not carefully managed. The document proposes several principles for effective public health information systems, including having business needs drive systems, enabling information exchange through standards, and keeping line-level data close to where it is used.