As it does every December 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) commemorated the 'anniversary of smallpox eradication, recognizing the historic moment on December 9, 1979. "The world and all its peoples have won freedom from smallpox," a phrase that marks the end of a scourge that affected millions of people for thousands of years.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "Today smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated, a testament to what we can achieve when all nations work together. When it comes to epidemic diseases, we have a shared responsibility and a shared destiny. With this plaque we commemorate the heroes from around the world who came together to fight smallpox and worked to protect future generations."
Smallpox has been endemic for at least 3,000 years, claiming more than 300 million lives in the 20th century alone. The last reported case of the disease was in Somalia in 1977.
The success of the smallpox eradication program has produced vital knowledge and tools in the field of disease surveillance, the benefits of ring vaccination, and the importance of health promotion in the fight against diseases such as polio and Ebola virus. It also laid the foundation for stronger national immunization programs around the world, supporting the creation of primary health care in many countries and building momentum for universal health coverage.
Commemorating past success, WHO and partners emphasize the need to continue the fight against polio and other diseases and accelerate investments in global health security.
Smallpox has been endemic for at least 3,000 years, claiming more than 300 million lives in the 20th century alone. The last reported case of the disease was in Somalia in 1977.
The success of the smallpox eradication program has produced vital knowledge and tools in the field of disease surveillance, the benefits of ring vaccination, and the importance of health promotion in the fight against diseases such as polio and Ebola virus. It also laid the foundation for stronger national immunization programs around the world, supporting the creation of primary health care in many countries and building momentum for universal health coverage.
Commemorating past success, WHO and partners emphasize the need to continue the fight against polio and other diseases and accelerate investments in global health security.
