In light of the organizational reform of the Executive Yuan, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) is now under the newly formed Ministry of Health and Welfare and has implemented necessary structural changes to ensure seamless transition according to the Organic Act of the Ministry of Health and Welfare implemented on July 23, 2013. On the same day, an unveiling ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion.

In 1998, an enterovirus epidemic that occurred in Taiwan affected thousands of people. To consolidate disease control resources and set up a disease control system that addresses challenges posed by infectious diseases, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control under the Department of Health was established through merging the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, the National Institute of Preventive Medicine, and the National Quarantine Service of the Department of Health on July 1, 1999. During the past 14 years, Taiwan CDC tackled and responded to various emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including dengue fever, eneterovirus infection, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H7N9). After a little more than a decade of practical experience in dealing with the prevention and control of infectious diseases, Taiwan CDC has been locally and internationally recognized for its prevention and control efforts, including the “Mobilization Plan to Halve Tuberculosis in Decade (2006-2015)”, the harm reduction program, and efforts aimed at addressing emerging infectious diseases.

To meet the public’s expectation of an efficient government administration, Taiwan CDC now shares a greater responsibility in delivering that goal. Hence, Taiwan CDC will continue to reinforce communication concerning health-related policies and acts with all sectors, promote international collaboration and cooperation, seek to participate in activities of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), as well as realize cross-strait cooperation.

Taiwan CDC will continue to stand by its motto of “Unity, professionalism and swift action are the keys to success” to further improve the national capacity for disease response and preparedness in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of the people in Taiwan.