The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal public health agency in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to protect public health and safety through disease prevention, health promotion, and response to health threats both domestically and globally. The CDC addresses emerging health issues, promotes healthy communities, and develops the public health workforce. The agency operates through 12 major centers and institutes, focusing on various health areas such as infectious disease prevention, workplace health, and disability inclusion. It provides services like real-time disease surveillance, epidemiological investigations, health education, and vaccine distribution. The CDC also emphasizes equity in health by addressing social and health disparities. With a significant budget, it supports state and local health departments and engages in global health initiatives, contributing to efforts like smallpox eradication and the President’s Malaria Initiative.