US-based CDC, a public health agency, safeguards public health via disease prevention and health education.
Founded
1946
Location
Atlanta, GA, US
Founded on July 1, 1946, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a United States government public health agency operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC's core mission is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. It achieves this by developing and implementing disease prevention regulations, health education programs, and disseminating information to improve health-related decision-making. The agency focuses on a wide range of public health issues, including infectious diseases, environmental health, workplace safety, and global health.
Notable figures associated with the CDC include its directors and leading public health experts who have shaped policies and responses to health crises. The CDC has been instrumental in managing outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19, significantly impacting public health both domestically and globally. Its achievements include the eradication of smallpox and substantial contributions to reducing the prevalence of other infectious diseases. The CDC's work continues to influence public health policies, research, and practices worldwide, underscoring its pivotal role in safeguarding health.