APIC Statement on CDC Workforce Reductions and the Threat to Infection Prevention

Arlington, VA - October 11 - The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is deeply concerned by the recent reduction-in-force actions affecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the termination of staff from the Global Health Center, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the Epidemic Intelligence Service, and other critical public health divisions.

These mass terminations represent a profound setback to the nation's infection prevention infrastructure. The loss of seasoned epidemiologists, laboratory safety experts, and public health leaders undermines our ability to detect, investigate, and contain infectious disease threats, both domestically and globally. The dismissal of Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, often referred to as "disease detectives," is particularly alarming. EIS officers have led outbreak responses in the United States for decades, from tracing Legionnaires' disease to containing Ebola.

"EIS officers play a truly important role by collaborating with infection preventionists on the ground", stated Dr. Carol McLay, APIC President. "They are boots on the ground working with hospitals, local health departments, and communities. Their dismissal represents a serious loss to our national capacity to respond to infectious disease threats."

Infection prevention is not a discretionary function, it is a foundational pillar of national security, healthcare safety, and global health stability. APIC calls on federal leaders to immediately reverse these cuts and restore the capacity of the CDC to fulfill its mission. We urge Congress and the administration to prioritize sustained investment in infection prevention, epidemiologic surveillance, and laboratory safety. The health of our communities, the resilience of our healthcare systems, and the safety of our global health depend on it.

-

For media inquiries, please contact APIC Communications at [email protected].