New Communicable Diseases Agency to be set up in first half of 2025

It will lead in the prevention, preparation, detection, and management of infectious diseases.

A new Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) will be established in the first half of 2025, following the passage of a bill on 7 January.

The CDA will be the lead agency for preventing, preparing for, detecting, and managing infectious diseases, playing a role in safeguarding Singapore from future disease threats.

The agency will leverage the expertise of the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, and National Centre for Infectious Diseases.

“By consolidating into a dedicated agency, it will help us systematically build up strong public health expertise and organisational capacity,” said Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam.

Moreover, it will collaborate with various sectors to improve public health preparedness and strengthen surveillance of infectious diseases locally and internationally.

New methods, such as genomic and wastewater testing, will be explored in addition to traditional surveillance techniques. The CDA will also use data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve early detection and interpretation of large datasets.

The agency will also provide policy and scientific recommendations, coordinating operations with other agencies. These measures will include case investigation, contact tracing, and border control protocols.

Furthermore, it will engage with international stakeholders to facilitate the swift exchange of information and expertise.

The establishment of the CDA follows the March 2023 announcement during the Parliamentary debate on Singapore's response to COVID-19.