In 1987, Prof. Robert Douglas called for a coordinated national approach to disease control in Australia, highlighting fragmented systems during the HIV pandemic. Over three decades later, the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) was finally established in January 2023, led by Prof. Zoe Wainer, to improve health surveillance and pandemic preparedness. The CDC aims to prevent health threats through better data sharing and a “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Wainer, motivated by a social justice background, faces challenges such as misinformation and the resurgence of preventable diseases but is optimistic about building trust within communities.
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Link to original article source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/12/australian-cdc-chief-interview-misinformation-health
