Coronavirus Disease 2019

CDC is responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak globally.

Innovative mobile handwashing stations make it easier to keep hands clean in South Africa. Learn more

CDC has been working around the world for more than 60 years

CDC Around the World

Updates from the Field: Responding to COVID-19

Public health experts have long discussed the possibility of Disease X, the unknown pathogen that could emerge and create a significant global response. In 2020, that Disease X appeared as COVID-19. The fall 2020 edition of Updates from the Field features stories that highlight how CDC and partner organizations’ investments in global health security programs and activities helped better prepare countries for COVID-19.

Investments in core health system components such as workforce, surveillance, laboratory, and emergency management and response have built and strengthened public health systems that will safeguard our ability to respond to COVID-19 and future public health crises.

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STORY

Global Rapid Response Team Expands Scope to U.S. Response
CDC’s Global Rapid Response Team quickly pivots from international emergency response to provide domestic support to state, local, and tribal health departments in their COVID-19 response efforts.

STORY

Africa CDC Launches Continent-wide Response
“Many of the competencies and structures essential for success during this pandemic have been developed with the support of U.S. CDC.” – Africa CDC Director Dr. John Nkengasong. Learn how CDC has been a critical partner in Africa CDC’s COVID-19 response.

VIDEO

Being Better Prepared for COVID-19 and the Next Global Health Emergency
Fireside Chat with CDC’s Dr. Nancy Knight

Photo credit: Peter Thomson, La Cross Tribune

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