Disease Eradication Timeline

Explore historical attempts to control and eradicate infectious diseases

1796

Smallpox Vaccine Eradicated 1980

Edward Jenner used cowpox to protect against smallpox. Global vaccination led to complete eradication.

1955

Polio Vaccine Near eradication

Salk and Sabin vaccines reduced polio by 99%. Remains endemic in only 2 countries.

1955

Malaria Eradication Campaign Failed / Ongoing

DDT spraying initially succeeded but resistance and funding gaps caused resurgence. Still a major killer.

1986

Guinea Worm Nearly eradicated

3.5 million cases reduced to just a handful through clean water and education. No vaccine exists.

2020

COVID-19 Pandemic Controlled

mRNA vaccines developed in under a year. Demonstrated power of global scientific collaboration.

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Click any timeline event to see lessons learned about disease control and eradication.

Eradication requires vaccines, surveillance, political will and public cooperation.