Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus
family. It is believed to have existed for over 3,000 years and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide.
The breakthrough in controlling smallpox came in 1796 when Edward Jenner developed the first successful
vaccine. He discovered that milkmaids who had been infected with cowpox were immune to smallpox, and used
this knowledge to create a vaccine.
In 1967, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an intensified global campaign to eradicate smallpox
through widespread vaccination and surveillance. Thanks to these efforts, the last known natural case occurred in
Somalia in 1977. In 1980, WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated — making it the only human disease to be
completely eliminated.
This achievement remains one of the greatest successes in the history of public health.
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a disease caused by the poliovirus. It spreads easily from person to person and
can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle weakness. In some cases, polio can
lead to serious problems like brain swelling or permanent paralysis. Most people infected have mild or no
symptoms, but a few suffer severe health issues. While polio no longer spreads in most parts of the world,
including the U.S., it still exists in some areas. If vaccination rates drop, polio could come back. Vaccination remains
the best way to protect people from polio.
A virus called poliovirus, which is a type of enterovirus, causes polio. The virus
first infects the throat and intestines, causing flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it
spreads to the brain and spinal cord. When this happens, it can paralyze muscles
used for breathing, speaking, swallowing, and moving the arms and legs.
How to Prevent Polio
The best way to protect yourself from polio is to get vaccinated, usually during childhood.
If you’re not sure whether you got the vaccine, talk to a doctor about what to do.
Other ways to stay safe include:
Washing your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing
diapers
Avoiding swimming if you or your children have diarrhea
Using bottled or clean water for drinking and cooking if clean water isn’t
available
How Vaccines Helped Eradicate Smallpox and Polio in India
Smallpox Eradication
Smallpox was wiped out in India by 1977 through an intensive vaccination program that lasted 11
years.
The vaccine used was made from a related virus called the vaccinia virus, which is safe and
helped protect people from smallpox.
In 1980, the World Health Organization declared that smallpox was completely eradicated
worldwide — a huge success.
Polio Eradication
India used the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which is given by mouth, to protect children from
polio.
Starting in 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative worked hard to stop polio all over the
world.
Millions of health workers gave polio vaccines to almost every child in India.
Thanks to these efforts, India was declared polio-free in 2012.
The Impact of Vaccination
Vaccines have saved millions of lives by preventing deadly diseases like smallpox and polio.
After mass vaccination began, cases of polio dropped dramatically worldwide.
India still keeps a close watch to make sure these diseases don’t come back by continuing
immunization and monitoring.
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