The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed optimism that a vaccine for the novel COVID19 is in view with the commemoration of #smallpox eradication 40 years ago.
Smallpox spread via person-to-person transmission.
Over 300 million people died from the virus responsible for the #smallpox in the 20th century.
According to the WHO,“The world got rid of #smallpox, thanks to an incredible demonstration of global solidarity, and because it had a safe and effective vaccine.”
Director-General, WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated this in a tweet
“#OnThisDay 40 years ago, #smallpox was made history.
It’s the only human disease to be eradicated so far.
A lesson we must take is: when the world unites behind science and public health measures we can defeat diseases and protect lives and livelihoods.
“Commemorating #Smallpox Eradication – a legacy of hope, for #COVID19 and other diseases.”
On 8 May 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly officially declared: ‘The world and all its peoples have won freedom from smallpox.’
“#Smallpox was ended, thanks to a 10-year global effort, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, that involved thousands of #healthworkers around the world who administered half a billion vaccinations to stamp out the disease.
The world spent US$ 300m to eradicate #smallpox. That now saves the world well over US$ 1 billion every year,” Ghebreyesus.
He advised that with the potential of a #COVID19 vaccine ahead, people must ensure sufficient supplies; full understanding of how the vaccine can protect and why it’s important for individual and community health as well as universal access to accurate public health information and education.
