The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is a renowned national public health institution dedicated to protecting public health and safety by preventing and controlling the spread of diseases, injuries, and disabilities.
The CDC serves as a preeminent authority on infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, occupational health, and emergency preparedness. Its core mission involves conducting critical research, providing health information and educational resources, developing evidence-based guidelines and recommendations, and implementing public health programs and interventions.
The CDC plays a crucial role in disease surveillance, tracking, and monitoring outbreaks and public health threats at national and international levels. It maintains a vast network of laboratories, experts, and partnerships to detect, respond, and mitigate emerging disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies promptly. The agency collaborates with state and local health departments, healthcare providers, academia, non-profit organizations, and international partners to strengthen global health security and protect populations from both known and emerging health threats.
In addition to its proactive disease prevention efforts, the CDC provides advisory and consultative services to professionals, policymakers, and the general public. It disseminates health communications, educational materials, and guidelines to promote healthy behaviors, facilitate informed decision-making, and help individuals and communities effectively respond to public health emergencies. The CDC's contributions to research, education, and policy-making have been instrumental in shaping public health practices and improving health outcomes across the United States and worldwide.
