What is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting public health activities in the United States?

• A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• B. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• C. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer: (A)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the primary federal agency that conducts and supports public health activities in the United States. It focuses on preventing disease and injury, monitoring health trends, and responding to health threats. CDC coordinates with state and local health departments, runs surveillance systems, investigates outbreaks, and develops guidelines and training to protect population health. While NIH mainly conducts medical research, FDA regulates foods, drugs, and medical products to ensure safety and efficacy, and EPA handles environmental health and safety standards, CDC serves as the central public health operations and prevention body.