The article is dedicated to the outstanding scientist-epidemiologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor, academician, major general of the medical service Vitaly Dmitrievich Belyakov. The role of the scientist in the formation and development of the theory of self-regulation of the epidemic process, which describes the mechanisms of formation, manifestations of the epidemic process and represents the theoretical basis of epidemiology, is analyzed. The theory of self-regulation is a scientific discovery and a new concept of epidemiology about the internal mechanisms of the development of the epidemic process, allows us to rationally explain the temporal and territorial patterns in the spread of infectious diseases in the human population. The article presents the main results of V. D. Belyakov‘s scientific heritage, which have theoretical and practical significance for epidemiological science.

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