The 8 May anniversary of the eradication of smallpox serves as a stark reminder of one of the deadliest diseases in human history and the devastating impact of infectious diseases. With a fatality rate of approximately 30%, smallpox claimed over 300 million lives in the 20th century, more than three times the lives lost in both world wars combined. Even as late as the early 1950s, an estimated 50 million smallpox cases were identified, resulting in 15 million deaths worldwide.
In the face of its high mortality rates, long-term health consequences for survivors, and considerable social and economic disruption, the eradication of smallpox in 1980 stands as one of the most impactful achievements in global health security and disease control. Thanks to a revolutionary discovery of a vaccine and a series of intensive global containment and prevention campaigns led by the World Health Organization, the world came together to safeguard its future.
Smallpox is Still a Threat
The eradication of smallpox, however, doesn’t mean the threat of this disease is gone forever. There are still quantities of the virus in research laboratories that pose a risk of accidental exposure or intentional release that could bring this deadly disease back into our lives.
Additionally, the rise in geopolitical instability and advances in synthetic biology have increased the risk of bioterrorism and underscore the importance of continued vigilance. Modern travel and global connectivity could also significantly increase transmission rates.
A Blueprint for Preparedness
The coordinated global health effort that beat smallpox once, offers a blueprint for addressing future threats. The world has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, but thankfully, medical technology has also evolved. We have new tools that can significantly enhance our preparedness.
As the European Union advances its mutual defence and readiness measures as part of its Preparedness Union Strategy, it is important to align with the updated EMA guidance on responding to exposure from biological agents used in terrorism, crime, or warfare. This guidance reinforces the role of recommended products for the treatment and prophylaxis of smallpox as essential components of a comprehensive biodefence strategy.
Lessons Learned
To protect against future threats, we must act decisively, drawing on lessons from the past. This includes implementing comprehensive containment measures that utilize both vaccines and antivirals. While vaccination remains a cornerstone of preventing and controlling infectious diseases, overreliance on vaccines can have serious consequences, particularly as mass vaccination campaigns require time to deploy and may not be suitable for every individual. Antivirals can be rapidly deployed to help mitigate disease spread, reduce the severity of symptoms, and in some cases, prevent deaths.
The world has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, but thankfully, medical technology has also evolved. We have new tools that can significantly enhance our preparedness.
In addition, the establishment of stockpiles of medical countermeasures is vital for deterrence and supply resilience. These stockpiles enable an immediate response during a crisis and help mitigate the impacts of an outbreak. Equally important are comprehensive preparedness plans, which ensure coordinated responses to health emergencies, minimizing disruption to public health, economies, and societies. Finally, global collaboration has already shown the immense power of collective action in the face of health threats.
As the global public health community comes together to celebrate the eradication of smallpox, let’s remember that by applying the lessons of the past we can strengthen our defences and safeguard our future. The time to act is now—decisive action will protect us all.
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