When did India become free from Smallpox?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

India was officially certified as a smallpox-free nation in April 1977 by an international commission.
This declaration was made approximately two years after the last endemic case was detected and contained in May 1975.
The successful eradication campaign in India was a critical milestone leading to the global eradication of smallpox, which was officially declared by the WHO in May 1980.

Option A: This year is incorrect. By 1988, smallpox had been globally eradicated for eight years.
Option C: This year is incorrect. India was declared smallpox-free more than a decade earlier.
Option D: This year is incorrect. By 1990, the world had been free of smallpox for a decade.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Public Health in India: Smallpox Eradication as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The eradication of smallpox is a landmark achievement in public health, demonstrating the power of coordinated, global vaccination and surveillance programs.
It serves as a model for current and future disease eradication initiatives, such as the polio eradication campaign.
For nurses, this history underscores the critical role of community health workers, surveillance, and vaccination in preventing and controlling infectious diseases.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on historical public health events.
First, identify the key components of the question: 'India', 'free from Smallpox', and 'When' (implying a date).
Recall or look up the timeline of major disease eradication programs in India.
Differentiate between the date of the last case, the date of national certification, and the date of global eradication.
The question asks when India became 'free', which corresponds to the official certification date.
Compare the known date (1977) with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 199-201

Practise the full Bihar CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.