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), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.

As a bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is at the forefront of meeting the health challenges of today and the future. You may not know our faces, but you hear from us and about us in the news when an outbreak occurs and when a quick response is needed. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, partnering with national and international organizations to develop health systems; or helping to immunize children in a small town village, we rely on CDC employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of people here and around the world.

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. Today, CDC is globally recognized for conducting research and investigations and for its action oriented approach. CDC applies research and findings to improve people’s daily lives and responds to health emergencies—something that distinguishes CDC from its peer agencies.