Media Statement

CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden releases Winnable Battles Progress Report 2010-2015, discusses successes and challenges

Many of the leading causes of injury, illness, disability, and death in the United States can be prevented.

One of my first initiatives as CDC Director was to launch a Winnable Battles initiative to push for progress in key areas where much more progress is possible – healthcare-associated infections; tobacco; nutrition, physical activity, and obesity; food safety; motor vehicle safety; teen pregnancy; and HIV prevention.

By implementing the programs with the greatest potential impact, we are addressing Americans’ biggest health challenges while we try to get the most health bang for precious resources.

CDC set clear goals and established meaningful indicators of success. Today we release the Winnable Battles Progress Report 2010-2015 to show where we are on meeting our 2015 goals.

We are proud of the progress we have made, particularly in reducing motor vehicle fatalities, teen pregnancy, and health-care associated infections, but there is still much to be done to help Americans be safer and healthier.

I invite you to visit the new Winnable Battles Progress Report webpage for detailed, issue-specific fact sheets and the complete progress report.

Tom Frieden, MD, MPH
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES