Step back in time with me, about 3,000 years ago, when Earth was ravaged by a deadly virus, causing widespread devastation. The affliction inflicted by this virus was excruciating and perilous, with a staggering 30% fatality rate for those unfortunate enough to contract it. One in three individuals succumbed to its grasp, leaving survivors marked with permanent scars, especially on their faces, and, tragically, many were permanently blinded.

Let’s transport ourselves to the year 1735 in Japan, where this insidious disease, known as Smallpox, swept through, claiming the lives of one-third of the country’s population. Fast forward to the 1500s when European colonizers introduced Smallpox to Mexico and America, resulting in a devastating 90% mortality rate among Native Tribal populations. The 18th century saw the harrowing reality that every seventh child born in Russia fell victim to this ruthless disease.

Smallpox wasn’t merely a health crisis; it was a historical scourge. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, possibly dating back to 10,000 BC when humans first embraced agriculture in Africa, fostering contact with domesticated animals carrying Orthopox viruses. The disease’s first documented evidence emerged in 1156 BC with an ancient Egyptian mummy displaying characteristic Smallpox scarring.

As modern medicine grappled with this formidable adversary, the concept of immunity began to emerge. Observations indicated that survivors seemed resistant to subsequent infections. This laid the groundwork for inoculation, a risky procedure where individuals were intentionally exposed to a small amount of the virus, resulting in a lower death rate compared to natural infection.

In the 18th century English village, inexplicably immune farmers hinted at a possible solution. Enter Dr. Edward Jenner, who, in 1796, conducted groundbreaking experiments involving Cowpox, a milder relative of Smallpox. He successfully vaccinated a young boy, revealing the world’s first effective vaccine. The term “vaccination” itself originates from the Latin word “Vacca,” meaning cow.

While Jenner’s discovery promised a life-saving solution, it faced severe skepticism and opposition, even from religious groups. The notion of deliberately infecting individuals with material from animals, especially cows, sparked fears of unnatural interference with God’s plan. Anti-vaccine movements emerged, challenging the widespread acceptance of this revolutionary medical advancement.

The global campaign to eradicate Smallpox gained momentum in the mid-20th century. In 1958, the Soviet Union proposed the initiative, leading to the launch of the official program in 1967. India, with its vast and diverse population, posed a significant challenge, experiencing a severe outbreak in 1974.

To overcome hurdles, including superstitions, logistical issues, and opposition from those dependent on inoculation, innovative approaches were employed. Freeze-dried vaccines facilitated easier storage and transportation, and less painful administration techniques were introduced. A relentless awareness campaign, backed by rewards and government mandates, ultimately led to India’s triumph over Smallpox in 1975.

The World Health Organization’s tireless efforts extended globally, and by 1979, Smallpox was declared eradicated from the face of the Earth. The last natural case occurred in Somalia in 1977, while the last death, resulting from a laboratory accident in 1978, underscored the need for secure storage of the remaining virus samples.

Today, thanks to Dr. Jenner’s pioneering work and global vaccination efforts, Smallpox is a distant memory. The two existing virus samples are safeguarded in secure laboratories, serving as a reminder of the triumph of science over a once-devastating disease. The legacy of the world’s first successful vaccine lives on, saving an estimated 5 million lives annually and demonstrating the transformative power of medical innovation. If you enjoyed this journey through history, explore more captivating stories in this playlist.