This was the first seminar conducted by the SEP. It included national and WHO staff from 13 countries of the South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific Regions. The few surviving documents were found among DA Henderson's personal papers. This compiled Conference document includes:

• List of participants
• List of working papers (annotated draft)
• Opening speech (DA Henderson)
• Smallpox eradication — Background (DA Henderson)
• Concluding narrative summary (author(s) unknown)

A 1967 WHO survey of vaccine concluded that not more than 10% of the vaccine used in endemic countries met WHO standards. The urgent need to simultaneously improve vaccine production in at least 20 laboratories prompted the Smallpox Eradication unit to convene a panel of experts. The working papers below were presented at the first meeting (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, 19-23 Mar). The panel visited and reviewed vaccine production and data at major vaccine contributors in the US and USSR. A manual on freeze-dried smallpox vaccine production was prepared at a second meeting (Wyeth Laboratories, Philadelphia PA, 28-30 Mar).

The manual, Methodology of Freeze-dried Smallpox Vaccine Production (SE/68.3 Rev.2), provided a step-by-step description of the simplest procedures for all stages of production and testing of a potent, stable, and safe vaccine. Never officially published by WHO, it was made widely available as a document of the Smallpox Eradication unit. It was distributed to all laboratories interested in the production of vaccine.

Note: Individual papers have not yet been located but are listed because of their significance to the programme.

This early meeting of WHO Regional Advisers discussed the programme's plans and needs, providing recommendations for WHO and its Regional Offices. The appointment of a full-time Regional Smallpox Eradication Adviser was requested. The surviving documents below are from DA Henderson's personal papers:

• Minutes of the meeting
• Appendix I. The development of smallpox laboratory diagnostic services
• Appendix II. Training program for WHO smallpox eradication staff
• 1968-70 projections of the number of vaccinations, vaccine requirements, budget, and expenditures
  • Eastern Mediterranean Region
  • South-East Asia Region

Southern and Eastern Africa

South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, and African Regions

South-East Asia Region

Eastern Mediterranean Region