Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which agency is classified as a major public health agency?

1. FDA

2. CDC

3. WHO

4. NIH

The correct answer is: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as a major public health agency due to its primary focus on protecting public health and safety through the control of disease, injury, and disability. The CDC implements a broad range of initiatives that include promoting health, preventing disease outbreaks, and preparing for public health emergencies. Its empirical research and data-driven strategies position it as a key leader in addressing health threats at national and international levels. While the other organizations mentioned, such as the FDA, WHO, and NIH, play critical roles in health, they have different mandates. The FDA primarily regulates food safety and pharmaceuticals, ensuring products are safe and effective. The World Health Organization (WHO) works on a global scale to improve health and manage health crises but does not focus as closely on national public health measures within the United States as the CDC. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is primarily dedicated to biomedical research, supporting scientific inquiry and enhancing our understanding of health and disease rather than direct public health intervention and prevention strategies. Therefore, the distinctive focus of the CDC on comprehensive public health makes it the foremost agency in this context.