To keep pace with emerging public health challenges and to address the leading causes of illness, injury, disability, and death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated an effort to achieve measurable impact on selected Winnable Battles. These Winnable Battles were chosen based on the magnitude of the health problems and our ability to make significant progress to improve outcomes.

There are evidence-based strategies available now to address the critical health challenges presented by each of the Winnable Battles areas. We have established important indicators and targets for measuring progress. Together with our partners, we can have a meaningful impact on health through a dedicated focus on these Winnable Battles.

In 2010, CDC identified the following Winnable Battles:

 Tobacco – Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S.

 Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity – More than 72 million adults and 12 million youth in the U.S. are obese

 Food Safety – Foodborne diseases sicken 1 out of 6 Americans each year

 Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) – 1 out of 20 hospitalized patients contracts an HAI

 Motor Vehicle Safety – Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among Americans ages 1 to 54

 Teen Pregnancy – The U.S. has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy of any developed nation in the world

 HIV – More than 1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV

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Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection