Which agency is known for protecting people from health threats, including communicable diseases?

• A. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
• B. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• D. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer: (C)

Protecting people from health threats, including communicable diseases, is the primary role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This agency leads national disease surveillance, detects outbreaks, investigates causes, and coordinates public health responses. It also provides prevention guidelines, vaccine recommendations, and support to state and local health departments, all aimed at stopping the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding overall community health.

Other agencies focus on different public health tasks. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality works to improve the quality and safety of health care services, not primarily disease surveillance. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry concentrates on health effects from environmental contaminants. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the safety and efficacy of foods, drugs, and medical products, including vaccines, but its main emphasis is product regulation rather than leading broad disease prevention and outbreak response.