Afghanistan, Bangladesh
1979

Dr Arcot G Rangaraj (India; 1917-2009), India's first paratrooper, had served with distinction in the Indian Army Medical Service. He had a unique expertise and capability in programme organization and logistics.

In 1969, he was appointed the senior WHO adviser on smallpox eradication in Afghanistan. He and Dr Abdul Mohammad Darmanger, director of the Afghani smallpox eradication programme, conducted Afghanistan's first, and highly effective, nation-wide health programme.

In 1974, Dr Rangaraj went to Bangladesh to coordinate field operations. He also served with the smallpox eradication programmes in the Arabian peninsula.