CDC Boss Picks 6 'Winnable Battles': smoking, AIDS, obesity, teen pregnancy, health care infections

[Elmore Furth]

The CDC has decided to focus budgetary priorities in light of potential shrinking funds.

September 30, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) — Where would you start if you were charged with keeping the nation healthy? Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has chosen six priorities — winnable battles, he calls them.

They are smoking, AIDS, obesity/nutrition, teen pregnancy, auto injuries and health care infections. These are long-standing, major challenges that get a lot of attention already.

But elevating a handful of problems above dozens of others is a bold move for a public health official. So far, it's been received like a bucket of cold water — invigorating some, infuriating others.

CDC Chief Picks 6 'Winnable Battles' in Health

[HuckleB]

1. Kick.

[trotsky]

2. Interesting strategy.

Worth a try, I suppose.