Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, that provides health information and research on various diseases and conditions.

History

The CDC was established in 1946, originally as the Communicable Disease Center. Its primary mission was to combat malaria by killing mosquitoes. The organization was renamed the Center for Disease Control in 1970, and then later became the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1992.

Role and Function

The CDC conducts research and provides information on a wide range of health topics, including infectious diseases, foodborne pathogens, environmental health, occupational safety and health, health promotion, injury prevention, and educational activities designed to improve the health of United States citizens.

The CDC also compiles statistical information which guides actions and policies to improve the health of the American people. In addition, the CDC offers grants that help many organizations each year bring health, safety and awareness to surrounding communities throughout the entire United States.

Structure

The CDC is organized into "Centers, Institutes, and Offices" (CIOs), each of which is responsible for addressing a particular list of health threats and issues. The CIOs are subdivided into divisions, which may be further subdivided into branches.

Notable Programs and Initiatives

The CDC has been involved in several important health initiatives, including the eradication of smallpox, the prevention of HIV/AIDS, and the prevention and control of seasonal, avian, swine, and pandemic influenza. The CDC also plays a significant role in the prevention and control of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Criticism and Controversy

The CDC has faced criticism and controversy over its handling of various health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argue that the CDC was slow to respond and failed to provide accurate information to the public.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Pandemic