Vaccine: The Human Story 1. An Impossible Dream
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May 28, 2021 Discover the historical devastation wrought by smallpox, once considered a vicious demon impacting civilizations. Hear about a 12th-century samurai battling the disease and the cultural reverence for smallpox in Africa and India. Delve into the complexities of vaccination and its socio-political implications, especially in light of recent conspiracy theories. The tragic story of Janet Parker, the last UK smallpox victim, sheds light on medical limitations and personal struggles, encapsulating the haunting legacy of this once-feared virus.
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Global Victory Declared
- The 1980 WHO assembly declared smallpox completely defeated, marking the greatest public health victory.
- Eradication required international collaboration, planning, and labour over decades.
From Doubt To Success
- Many WHO staff initially thought eradication was impossible after four failed attempts on other diseases.
- The smallpox programme passed by only two votes but succeeded within a decade.
Chasing The Last Case
- The last natural smallpox case occurred in Somalia in October 1977, with elimination following rapidly.
- Eradication depended on tracking and ending the final chains of transmission globally.
