| Using a bifurcated needle, an Indian health worker vaccinates a child. The bifurcated needle was a simple technological advance that became essential in the eradication of smallpox. Unskilled workers could be trained easily to administer vaccine in surveillance and containment activities. Benjamin Rubin of Wyeth Laboratories developed the bifurcated needle, and gave the patent rights to the World Health Organization. |
Smallpox: Global eradication of smallpox, by any measure, ranks among the great achievements of humankind.
Guinea worm: A painful and debilitating infestation contracted by drinking stagnant water
contaminated with Guinea worm larvae.
Malaria: The origin of CDC's disease prevention and eradication programs.
