In commemorating its 50th Anniversary in 1996, CDC showcased its scientific articles and accomplishments of historical interest to public health. Two weeks ago, CDC re-published a 1992 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that first described the need for information on the effectiveness, as well as the economic and social impact, of disease and injury prevention strategies. Prevention effectiveness now has been institutionalized as a public health science at CDC and many other public health organizations. Since 1992, CDC has increased substantially its ability to assess scientifically the prevention effectiveness of its programs and strategies. It works and provides value for the dollar.
Public health contributes significantly to longer, healthier lives.
The signature feature of CDC's public health programs is that they effectively promote health and quality of life by preventing disease, disability, and injury. For example, CDC has led efforts to prevent such diseases as smallpox, malaria, tuberculosis, Legionnaire's disease, and polio. In more recent years, CDC also has addressed contemporary threats to health, such as injury, environmental and occupational hazards, behavioral risks, and chronic diseases. Bearing the imprint of lessons learned during our 50 year history, CDC today is preparing for challenges it will encounter in our next five decades. I also would like to point out that as we meet and overcome some of these challenges, attention and resources can be directed toward other areas.