The Eradication of Smallpox: A Milestone in Vaccine History
The eradication of smallpox is one of the greatest achievements in medical history, made possible by vaccines. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, was eliminated through a global effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Key strategies like “ring vaccination” helped prevent outbreaks. The last natural case occurred in 1977, and the WHO declared it eradicated in 1980.