Intensified global smallpox eradication campaign

The global smallpox eradication campaign was intensified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming mortality rate attributed to the disease, which claimed approximately 2 million lives annually. To combat this public health crisis, the WHO allocated $2.4 million each year to enhance eradication efforts. A critical challenge faced by the WHO was the inadequate reporting of smallpox cases, which hindered effective response strategies. To address this issue, the organization established a network of consultants who worked closely with various countries to implement improved disease surveillance and containment measures. This initiative was crucial in identifying outbreaks and ensuring timely interventions. The WHO's efforts also included managing the last significant outbreak in Europe, which occurred in Yugoslavia, demonstrating the organization's commitment to controlling the disease on a global scale. The culmination of these efforts led to a historic achievement in public health. After more than two decades of rigorous campaigns, the Global Commission officially declared smallpox eradicated, marking it as the first disease in history to be eliminated through human intervention. This success not only highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated global health initiatives but also set a precedent for future disease eradication efforts. The strategies developed during the smallpox campaign, including enhanced surveillance and community engagement, have since been applied to combat other infectious diseases, showcasing the lasting impact of the WHO's intensified campaign on global health practices.