Some of the greatest challenges facing the United States aren’t terrorists or trade deficits, but public health threats. The CDC, part of the Health and Human Services Department, tackles an array of domestic and foreign public health and safety threats. (Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)The only thing officials have to go on is a single reference to “public health” in President-elect Donald Trump’s 100-day action plan. (Michel du Cille/The Washington Post )After Congress delayed funding the emergency Zika response for eight months this year, many public health experts say there needs to be a permanent public health emergency fund that would allow for a quick government response before a potential hazard develops into a full-blown crisis. He eventually signed statewide legislation that allows needle exchanges, but only if counties ask for permission in light of a public health emergency.

Source: Washington Post November 21, 2016 19:33 UTC