[The role of the Federal Government in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Organizational structures, responsibilities and duties--an overview].

Health policy is faced today with the challenge of keeping the health care system up to a high standard and affordable at the same time. A comprehensive health protection system that is efficient and readily accessible to all is required. Although it is to a great extent the responsibility of every citizen to promote and sustain their own health, it is the duty of the Federal Government to provide for risks that can emanate from pathogens, products or environmental factors. Protection against all known risks should be improved, new health threats have to be countered and new scientific findings must be considered. Prevention, health promotion and health protection are important key factors to improve health in the general population and to reduce health care costs. The prevention of and protection from infectious diseases are high priority tasks in the further development of an effective health care system in Germany. In order to accomplish these tasks in the control of infectious diseases close collaboration between a number of federal agencies and federal institutes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Security as well as the Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture has to be ensured.