Centers for disease control and prevention

Centers 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 is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

History

The CDC was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. Its initial focus was on controlling malaria, which was endemic in the southern United States. The agency was renamed to the Centers for Disease Control in 1970, and then to its current name in 1992.

Mission and Programs

The CDC's mission is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. It focuses on developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

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.

Organization

The CDC is organized into "Centers, Institutes, and Offices" (CIOs), each of which is responsible for addressing a particular area of interest in health. The CDC's current director is Rochelle Walensky.

Impact

The CDC plays a critical role in protecting the health of the U.S. population. It provides information and resources to healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and the public to help prevent and control diseases.

Criticism and Controversy

The CDC has faced criticism and controversy over its handling of various health crises, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and its approach to vaccine distribution.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control