The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is experiencing significant reductions to its Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a program crucial for public health response. Reports indicate that the Trump administration’s ongoing workforce cuts are set to impact nearly half of the EIS officers.
The EIS, established in 1951, trains elite disease detectives who respond to critical public health emergencies, including outbreaks and bioterrorism threats. The program has a storied history, contributing to significant public health achievements, such as the eradication of smallpox.
Currently, the CDC is facing broader cuts, with approximately 1,270 positions being eliminated, representing about 10 percent of its workforce. These reductions have raised concerns among public health experts about the nation’s preparedness for future health threats.
As the cuts unfold, the implications for public health safety and response capabilities remain uncertain. The EIS has been instrumental in addressing previous health crises, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016.
For more information, visit the original article at Ars Technica.