Confronting Emerging Infections: Lessons from the Smallpox Eradication Campaign
1998

Lessons from the Smallpox Eradication Campaign

publication

Author Information

Author(s): William H. Foege

Primary Institution: Emory University

Conclusion

The smallpox eradication campaign taught us valuable lessons about disease prevention and the importance of global cooperation.

Supporting Evidence

  • We didn't know how to eradicate smallpox at the beginning of the campaign.
  • The shift from mass vaccination to surveillance and containment was successful.
  • Global cooperation is essential for preventing and controlling emerging infections.
  • Knowledge and good epidemiologic analysis are crucial for effective disease response.

Takeaway

We learned that we can't wait to know everything before we start fighting diseases, and working together globally is really important.

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