The main goal of the Center for Communicable Diseases established in 1946 was to?

The primary goal of the Center for Communicable Diseases, which was established in 1946, was specifically oriented towards combating malaria, among other communicable diseases. At that time, malaria was a significant public health threat in the United States and around the world. The initiative aimed to implement strategies to control and eventually eradicate malaria, which was considered vital for improving public health.

While the other options refer to important public health functions—identifying communicable diseases, controlling non-communicable diseases, and general disease prevention—the founding of this center was directly tied to addressing the malaria crisis. This focus reflects the historical context in which it was established, highlighting the urgency of addressing communicable diseases that posed immediate and severe health risks. Thus, the correct answer is rooted in the center's commitment to specifically tackling malaria at the outset of its establishment, setting a foundation for broader public health efforts in the years to come.