The Eradication of Smallpox

WHO's Announcement

On May 8, 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a historic announcement: smallpox, a disease that had plagued humanity for thousands of years, was officially eradicated. This monumental achievement marked the end of a global health threat that had claimed an estimated half a billion lives in the century before its eradication 1. The eradication was the result of a concerted global effort, including mass vaccination programs and rapid response strategies in developing countries, which reduced the number of cases from millions to zero within a decade 2.

In 1980, after two years without a single case, the WHO announced to the world that smallpox, the most lethal disease in the history of humanity, had been eradicated.

--- Gary Arndt

The last naturally occurring case was recorded in Bangladesh in 1975, and the last case of variola minor in Somalia in 1977, culminating in the WHO's declaration of eradication 2.

   

Virus Sample Debate

Despite the eradication of smallpox, the debate over the remaining virus samples continues to stir controversy. These samples are preserved at research facilities in the United States and Russia, sparking discussions about their necessity and potential risks 2. On one hand, they are crucial for vaccine development in case of a future outbreak, possibly from a dormant source or bioterrorism.

On the other hand, the stockpiles themselves might be the greatest threat of the virus spreading again.

--- Gary Arndt

The presence of these samples raises concerns about accidental release, especially since most of the global population under 40 has never been vaccinated against smallpox, leaving them vulnerable 2.