**SINGAPORE:** In a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s response to health crises, the newly established Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) will commence operations on April 1, with the esteemed Director-General of Health, Kenneth Mak, taking the helm as its chairman.

The CDA, a new statutory board under the Ministry of Health (MOH), is designed as the primary line of defense against infectious diseases, consolidating efforts and resources previously spread across the MOH, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), and the Health Promotion Board (HPB). This strategic consolidation aims to provide a more unified and efficient public health response.

Professor Kenneth Mak is no stranger to the public health arena; he has played a pivotal role as the government's chief medical advisor, especially during Singapore’s fight against COVID-19. His extensive experience overseeing both clinical and public health services has equipped him to guide the CDA in its mission to combat future health crises effectively. "As we face increasingly complex health challenges, it is imperative we have a robust and streamlined approach," said a spokesperson from the MOH.

Beyond his responsibilities with the CDA, Professor Mak holds significant roles in various key healthcare organizations, including the Board of the Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore, and other influential boards that shape healthcare policy and innovation.

The CDA's inaugural board is composed of ten other distinguished members, including Ho Teck Hua, president of Nanyang Technological University; Professor Joe Sim, Group CEO of the National Healthcare Group; and Ervin Yeo, CEO of CapitaLand Investment. Their diverse backgrounds—spanning academia, healthcare, finance, and technology—bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by infectious diseases.

Other notable members include Gerard Koh from Singtel, independent advisor Lin Diaan Yi, Berita Harian editor Mohd Nazry Mokhtar, and infectious disease physician Dr. Asok Kurup. The board also features expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, and risk management, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to public health challenges.

The MOH highlighted the CDA's mission: "Together, the board will guide CDA in its mission to safeguard Singapore from infectious disease threats and build upon Singapore's strong foundation in infectious disease management." With this new agency, Singapore aims not only to prepare for potential outbreaks but also to refine and enhance its health sector, ensuring that its response strategies remain among the best in the world.

As the CDA prepares for its launch, the spotlight will be on its strategies and initiatives to bolster Singapore's health infrastructure—an essential task as the world navigates a post-pandemic landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on how the CDA will reshape Singapore’s approach to health security!