Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a US federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services. It plays a crucial role in protecting public health by preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and disabilities. Recent news highlights several controversies surrounding the CDC. These include the appointment of vaccine skeptics to its advisory panel by the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, and concerns raised after the Trump administration's CDC cut the number of recommended childhood vaccines. Additionally, the US is at risk of losing its measles elimination status due to outbreaks. The CDC's historical role in disease eradication is also noted with the death of Dr. William Foege, a former director instrumental in smallpox eradication. These events underscore the CDC's ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust and effectively addressing public health threats amid political and scientific debates.