The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Since it was founded in 1946 to help control malaria, CDC has remained at the forefront of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats.

Working with states and other partners, CDC provides a system of health surveillance to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks (including bioterrorism), implement disease prevention strategies, and maintain national health statistics. CDC also guards against international disease transmission, with personnel stationed in more than 25 foreign countries.

CDC is committed to achieving true improvements in people’s health. To do this, the agency has outlined the following agency-wide health impact goals:

Healthy People in Every Stage of Life

All people, and especially those at greater risk of health disparities, will achieve their optimal lifespan with the best possible quality of health in every stage of life.

Healthy People in Healthy Places

The places where people live, work, learn, and play will protect and promote their health and safety, especially those at greater risk of health disparities.

People Prepared for Emerging Health Threats

People in all communities will be protected from infectious, occupational, environmental, and terrorist threats.

Healthy People in a Healthy World

People around the world will live safer, healthier and longer lives through health promotion, health security, and health diplomacy.