2010

Ciro de Quadros (Brazil, 1940-2014), worked in the smallpox eradication programme in Brazil before joining WHO as chief epidemiologist in the Ethiopia programme during 1970-1976.

At the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) from 1977-2002, he established the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and the PAHO Revolving Fund for Vaccine Procurement. He led the programs that, by 1991, eradicated polio in Latin America and the Caribbean and, by 2002, measles in the Americas. During periods of countrywide civil unrest, he negotiated ceasefires for ‘vaccination days’.

In 2003, he was appointed executive vice-president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and head of the Vaccine Advocacy and Education program. He established dozens of programs ranging from financing to management to vaccinology education.

Dr de Quadros is pictured here with Dr DA Henderson (1927-2016) at the international symposium Smallpox Eradication After 30 Years: Lessons, Legacies, and Innovations, 24-27 Aug 2010, Filocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

High definition