Smallpox: Eradication Program

The international credibility of global eradication rested on the assurance that smallpox was absent from all countries. The Director-General of WHO convened a Consultation on Worldwide Certification of Smallpox Eradication. Participants (see Smallpox and It Eradication, Ch 24:1146-7) were 17 experts on epidemiology, virology, and public health administration from 15 countries. The consultation determined that 79 countries required certification by International Commission. Non-endemic countries where importations had occurred or were likely to occur were visited by WHO experts/consultants and/or submitted detailed country reports. Non-endemic countries not at high risk of importations submitted Declarations of Smallpox-Free Status.

International Commissions conducted rigorous certification procedures in countries that were endemic at the beginning of the Smallpox Eradication Programme in 1967, or had become endemic since then.

The Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication included most members of the consultation, almost all of whom had served on International Commissions, as well as other appointees from International Commissions. The Global Commission met first in Dec 1978. At its final meeting in Dec 1979, it certified global smallpox eradication and issued its final report and recommendations for post-eradication activities.

For more information, see:

Smallpox and Its Eradication (Fenner et al, WHO, 1988):

• Chapter 24: The certification of eradication: Concepts, strategy, and tactics
• Chapter 25: Certification by International Commissions: 1973-1977
• Chapter 26: Certification of 29 countries in Africa and Asia: 1978-1979
• Chapter 27: The completion of global certification: the Horn of Africa and China
• Membership of International Commissions: pp 1140-6

See also: Places visited and persons examined in preparation for and during visits by International Commissions for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication, SME/80.4. WHO: 10665/68325