Bangladesh
1975

Smallpox vaccines used in Bangladesh included vaccines produced in Bangladesh, the USSR, and India. In the bottom row (left and center) are bifurcated needles and their container, which could be boiled to sterilize the needles.

When the program began, it was found that the amount of vaccine being produced was less than expected, and that more than half was substandard. From 1969, virologist Dr Mohammad Ataur Rahman, deputy director of the laboratory, aided by a WHO consultant, made significant developments in vaccine production. Dr Rahman was later appointed as health adviser to the Bangladesh Planning Commission and provided invaluable support to the eradication programme.