Smallpox

Dublin Core

Title

Smallpox

Description

Smallpox disease was declared eradicated in 1980, the result of a collaborative global campaign. To date, it is the only disease affecting humans to be eradicated from the world. Global eradication of smallpox ranks among the great achievements of humankind. Gone, through determined human effort, is a disease which has brought death to millions, frequently altering the course of history, and traveling through the centuries to every part of the world.  

The vital contributions made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are highlighted. Official government correspondence, meeting transcripts, policy statements, surveillance reports and mortality statistics tell a part of that story. Adding depth to these traditional archives are the personal stories of the public health pioneers who worked tirelessly on the frontlines of the smallpox eradication campaign.

The links above connect you to a database of oral histories, photographs, documents, and other media.

Use of this information is free, but please see “About this Site” for guidance on how to acknowledge the sources of the information used

Collection Items

ZERO SMALLPOX
A recording of a panel by CDC staff in 1979 to commemorate the attainment of the goal of "Zero Smallpox". With an introduction by Bill Foege, panel members recount the "unsung heroes" of the Smallpox Eradication Program in West Africa, Brazil, and…

FOSTER: SMALLPOX SEMINAR DISCUSSION
Comments from the audience following the seminar. Commentators are Tom Mack, Tim Miner and John Noble.

BLOUNT:  WELCOME
Welcome remarks by Dr. Steve Blount, Director of the Office of Global Health to the Reunion of West and Central Africa Smallpox workers at CDC, followed by remarks by Stan Foster sketching the history of CDC, the history of the inception of the…

FOSTER: SMALLPOX LEGACIES
Dr. Stan Foster details the challenges and legacies of smallpox eradication and measles control in West Africa and in Bangladesh. Topics include surveillance and containment, and the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

HOPKINS: GUINEA WORM UPDATE
Don Hopkins, Vice President, Health Programs for the Carter Center is introduced by Stan Foster, MD, MPH. His talk relates to the progress made in the eradication of dracunculiasis dracunculosis, or guinea worm disease. African countries and India,…

LANE: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SMALLPOX
Dr. J. Michael Lane is introduced by Stan Foster. He describes the epidemiologic differences between smallpox and measles and describes how this led to the programs to control the diseases.

LYTHCOTT: GEORGE LYTHCOTT
Jeannie Lythcott, widow of Dr. George Lythcott, the Chief of the West African operations, describes escapades and accomplishments of her husband. Jeannie also speaks feelingly of the issues of mixed marriage, the American in Africa, and the…

MILLAR: SMALLPOX PROGRAM HISTORY
Dr. J. Donald Millar was the Director of the Smallpox Eradication Program at CDC from 1966 to 1969. His talk gives a broad look at the history of the program, its management and accomplishments. Introduced by Dr. Stanley Foster.

MORRIS: SMALLPOX IN BRAZIL
Stan Foster introduces Leo Morris. Leo began at CDC working as a statistician and testing the jet injectors for vaccine trials in Brazil. Leo Morris speaks about the Smallpox Eradication Program efforts in Brazil, which included establishing…
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