⏰ when

When was the first successful smallpox eradication campaign officially completed?

MedicineDiseases

Quick Answer

The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980. It was the first human disease ever eradicated globally.

The Full Story

After an intense international vaccination campaign, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated on 8 May 1980. The final naturally occurring case was recorded in Somalia in 1977, and a final limited outbreak in 1978 was contained in the United Kingdom. Smallpox had killed hundreds of millions of people over centuries. Its eradication remains one of the greatest achievements in medical history.

Key Facts

1.1977: last naturally occurring case
2.8 May 1980: WHO declared eradication
3.First human disease eradicated globally

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