In accordance with the organizational restructuring of the Executive Yuan, the organic acts of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and its subordinate agencies were officially implemented on July 23, 2013. The Centers for Disease Control was restructured and an opening ceremony was held on the same day. All employees of the Centers for Disease Control will continue in their posts under the new organizational operations, ensuring seamless integration for disease prevention. 

When an enterovirus pandemic struck Taiwan in 1998, a disease prevention system was established to integrate resources for disease prevention. Three units comprising the original Bureau of Communicable Disease Control under Department of Health, Executive Yuan, the Institute of Preventive Medicine, and the National Quarantine Service were merged on July 1, 1999, to establish the Centers for Disease Control. Over the past 14 years, the Centers for Disease Control has accumulated years of practical experience in dealing with dengue fever, enterovirus pandemics, SARS, H1N1 influenza, and this year’s outbreak of a H7N9 influenza epidemic. This organization has received domestic and international recognition for its dedication to promoting the halving of tuberculosis within 10 years, launching the AIDS harm reduction program, and tackling the challenges of emerging infectious diseases. 

The responsibility borne by the Centers for Disease Control appears to be even greater in view of the high expectations for government administration held by the people. In addition to strengthening communication on policies and bills with all sectors and actively publishing important policies and epidemic news, the Centers for Disease Control must simultaneously continue to promote international cooperation and active participation in the operation of the WHO, APEC, and other international organizations while taking a pragmatic approach to the cross-strait relationship of bilateral cooperation. 

While facing this organizational restructuring, the Centers for Disease Control will adhere to its spirit of “humanity, professionalism, early action, communication, and teamwork.” It will continue to enhance the operational efficiency of the disease prevention system and to guard the health of the nation. By eliminating disease threats, the Centers for Disease Control can achieve its mission of “promoting and protecting national health and welfare.”