Atlanta Quote by Bill Gates
“The Center for Disease Control started out as the malaria war control board based in Atlanta. Partly because the head of Coke had some people out to his plantation, and they got infected with malaria, and partly 'cause all the military recruits were coming down and having a higher fatality rate from malaria while training than in the field.”
About This Quote
Source Historical: CDC origins, United States Public Health Service, 1946
The agency began as a malaria control effort prompted by civilian and military health crises.
In simple terms: CDC started to fight malaria.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how health threats drive institutions.
Themes
public health
history
institution building
Mood
reflective
informative
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- public health policy
- disease control programs
- military training health measures
Key Concepts
epidemiology
government response
military health
Questions to Reflect On
- How did early malaria work influence CDC’s later scope?
- What other health crises could have spurred similar agencies?
A Different Perspective
The focus on malaria may overlook other diseases that later shaped CDC.
