The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been at the forefront of public health in the United States since its establishment in 1946. Over the decades, the CDC has achieved significant milestones in disease prevention and control, shaping the landscape of public health. This article highlights key achievements and milestones of the CDC, showcasing its impact on health and safety.
Early Achievements: 1940s to 1960s
The CDC was organized in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 1,
1946, as the Communicable Disease Center. Its initial focus was on controlling malaria, but it quickly expanded its mission to include other communicable diseases. In 1947, the CDC took over the Public Health Service Plague Laboratory in San Francisco, acquiring an Epidemiology Division.
By 1948, the CDC gained worldwide recognition for its contributions to the taxonomy of the Enterobacteriaceae. The 1950s saw the establishment of the Epidemic Intelligence Service to protect against biological warfare and manmade epidemics. The CDC also launched the Polio Surveillance Program in 1955, marking its commitment to combating infectious diseases.
Expanding Scope: 1970s to 1990s
In 1970, the CDC was renamed the Center for Disease Control, reflecting its broader focus. The integration of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health into the CDC expanded its scope to include workplace health. The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male was brought to public attention in 1972, leading to increased scrutiny and ethical reforms.
The 1980s marked a significant organizational change as the CDC was renamed to the plural Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1980. This change reflected the creation of constituent centers, institutes, and offices. The CDC faced new challenges in the 1990s, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant diseases and the AIDS epidemic, which claimed 200,000 American lives by 1993.
Modern Achievements: 2000s to Present
The 2000s brought new public health challenges, including the anthrax attacks in 2001 and the SARS outbreak in 2003. The CDC responded by establishing the Laboratory Response Network and providing guidance for surveillance and clinical evaluation. In 2005, rubella was eliminated in the United States, showcasing the CDC's success in disease prevention.
The CDC celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006, continuing to evolve with initiatives like the GeoSentinel surveillance network. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the CDC Moving Forward initiative in 2023, returning to a flat organizational structure to enhance efficiency. Today, the CDC remains a cornerstone of public health, adapting to new challenges while maintaining its mission to protect health and safety.
