Smallpox Eradication: How Humanity Killed a 3,000-Year-Old Killer

Smallpox, a devastating infectious disease caused by the variola virus, plagued humanity for millennia, killing hundreds of millions and shaping history. Through a monumental global effort led by the World Health Organization, utilizing widespread vaccination and targeted surveillance, smallpox was officially eradicated in 1980, marking one of humanity's greatest public health triumphs. This achievement demonstrated the power of international cooperation and scientific innovation in overcoming a ancient and deadly foe.