WHO declared global eradication of small pox on?

Appeared in: SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

On 8th May 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly officially certified the global eradication of smallpox.
This declaration followed a successful, intensive global vaccination and surveillance campaign led by the WHO, which began in 1967.
The certification came approximately two and a half years after the last known naturally occurring case was recorded, allowing time to ensure no further transmission occurred worldwide.

Option A: This date marks the last naturally occurring case of smallpox (variola minor), which was identified in Merca, Somalia.
Option B: This date marks when India was declared smallpox-free, a significant national milestone but not the global declaration.
Option C: This date is incorrect. The last case in India was on May 24, 1975, and the country was declared smallpox-free on July 5, 1975.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Key dates in the history of 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 global cooperation and vaccination.
It serves as the ultimate goal and a model for other disease eradication programs, such as the ongoing effort to eradicate polio.
Since eradication, routine smallpox vaccination has been discontinued, meaning the majority of the world's population today has no immunity to the virus.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question asking for a specific historical date.
First, identify the key event in the question: the 'declaration' of 'global eradication' of smallpox by the 'WHO'.
Scan the options. Recognize that questions about disease eradication often include distractor dates representing other key milestones, such as the 'last case'.
Differentiate between the date of the last naturally occurring case (1977) and the date of the official declaration by the WHO, which happens after a period of surveillance to confirm zero transmission.
Recall or deduce that the official declaration would come a few years after the last case. Select 8th May 1980 as the date of the formal announcement by the World Health Assembly.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 144-146

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 2 p. 104-106

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