The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), led by Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan, held a presidential briefing at the Government Sejong Convention Center on December 16, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The briefing outlined plans to create a ‘healthy nation and safe society’ by preparing for new infectious disease disasters, protecting the healthy daily lives of citizens, and proactively responding to future changes such as climate change.
In 2025, the KDCA was recognized as having the world’s highest level of national health security capabilities in the WHO Joint External Evaluation. It also developed and commercialized the world’s first recombinant protein anthrax vaccine, enhancing national pandemic preparedness. Additionally, the KDCA managed the winter influenza epidemic through a joint task force with government and private sectors and established the 3rd National Antibiotic Resistance Management Plan to strengthen antibiotic resistance management.
In 2026, the KDCA plans to pursue 10 key initiatives based on its past achievements. These include enhancing the infectious disease crisis response system, promoting self-sufficiency in infectious disease vaccines and treatments, and diversifying infectious disease diagnostic infrastructure. The KDCA will also establish an infectious disease surveillance network in the Asia-Pacific region and transfer the Korean comprehensive infectious disease response system to vulnerable countries.
To protect the healthy daily lives of citizens, the KDCA will strengthen respiratory infectious disease management, create a safe medical environment, enhance support for rare disease patients, and prevent and manage non-infectious health threats. Additionally, the KDCA will proactively respond to climate change and innovate disease control services using AI and data technologies.