Offline: Is CDC a science-based organisation?

Abstract

When we published our first report describing discontent about the work of the Center for Global Health (CGH) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC immediately contacted us to ask for an opportunity to reply. We agreed and await their response. Meanwhile, two further letters have arrived. They again signal severe concerns about the way in which CDC organises its global health work. Both correspondents are well informed about the details of the CDC's work in global health. Their allegations are serious. They raise questions about leadership, management of resources, proper use of the CDC's authority and power, and the scientific rigour of CDC research. They also claim that CDC's CGH encourages a culture that censors and punishes dissent. Here is some more of what they have to say. “CDC is no longer a science-based organization…Skills, training, and experience are secondary when making important decisions.” “Public health activities in various countries are contracted out to…partners who do a less than desirable job, delivering poor quality products and services thanks to minimal guidance and appropriate oversight from the CGH headquarters in Atlanta.” “There is duplication of efforts, not to mention huge amounts of tension and confusion at the organizational and interagency levels…there is no coordination between the two important US Government agencies responsible for global health work. In fact, it is a well-known fact in the global health field that CDC and USAID have been long-time archrivals and this rivalry causes a lot of tension affecting global health work negatively. Most people heard or witnessed, in countries where both organizations have country offices, that things cannot get done…If these two large and powerful US Government organizations cannot get along enough so that they get the job done, how can CDC's CGH expect to coordinate global health efforts with the other agencies and organizations worldwide?” “I, and obviously several other colleagues, believe that the time has come to keep our scientists and the management of CDC-CGH honest.” “There is no strategic direction…at the CGH other than spending monies at lightning speed. An objective evaluation of this center and its activities is long overdue. In fact, an in-depth congressional investigation might be in order.” “Monies are wasted on extensive overseas travel and long temporary duty assignments…We never hear what these people accomplish during their long overseas assignments.” “Most employees see the monetary waste…but they cannot talk for fear of losing their jobs. Staff morale is quite low at CGH as a result of poor handling of global projects, inappropriate utilization of the workforce and funds.” Something is clearly wrong in Atlanta.