Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC research promotes better health worldwide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a US federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services with a mission to protect the health and safety of Americans. With operations in more than 54 countries, the CDC is engaged in many global health research efforts. The work of CDC scientists has led to major advances against devastating diseases, including the eradication of smallpox and early identification of the disease that became known as AIDS.
Although CDC is known for its expertise and participation in HIV, TB, and malaria programs, it also operates several activities for neglected diseases in its National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases.
Advancing health technologies
CDC advances research and development for global health technologies in many ways, including:
- New pathogen discovery, field epidemiology, and disease and laboratory services and training.
- Applied behavioral and biomedical research in methods, drugs, microbicides, vaccines, diagnostics, and devices for prevention and control of diseases prevalent in developing countries.
- Engagement with countries to build capacity and capabilities and advance the CDC’s three-part strategy for global health promotion, protection, and diplomacy.
US-based, global reach
These primary missions are occasionally conducted in partnership with other agencies. For example, CDC supports global tuberculosis efforts in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID). CDC also converts its research findings into formal government prevention and control recommendations and guidelines.
As an agency within the Public Health Service, through its authoritative journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, and with its ad hoc guidelines and directives, CDC translates research in detecting, treating, and preventing illness into clinical practice relevant to the developing world. Its stewardship of the influential journal Emerging Infectious Diseases provides a peer review forum for international research findings.
For more information on the above data, see:
CDC. National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases.
CDC. Office of Strategy and Innovation, Healthy People in a Healthy World.
US Department of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service.
