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In this paper, I would first like to make a few comments concerning Karel Raska and myself. When I entered the field of medicine, I became a regional epidemiologist. Therefore, I often met Professor Raska on a professional basis. In 1960, 1 passed my certification exams as an epidemiologist. As Professor Raska was the examiner, this led to a closer relationship.
Shortly thereafter, a large epidemic of viral hepatitis broke out in my region. The investigation was led by Professor Raska and his team. I managed to ascertain the cause of the outbreak and subsequently contributed to the containment of the epidemic. Within a week, Professor Raska asked me if I would be willing to work at the World Health Organization (WHO). This opened a new chapter in my career as an epidemiologist.
In May 1964, 1 found myself in the Global Headquarters of the WHO in Geneva where Professor Raska appointed me as a consultant in epidemiology with the Ministry of health at Kinshasa, Zaire. As there was a rebellion in Zaire at the time with the rebel army dominating most of the country, I was not very enthusiastic. However, the professor shrugged off my doubts and looked after me during my short stay in Geneva. He suggested that I concentrate in Zaire on the practical possibilities of variola (smallpox) eradication.
For years, smallpox had represented a curse for humanity because of the hight mortality rate and the overall quick spread of the disease. Around 1 800, the British physician, Jenner, confirmed that being infected with cowpox rendered one person immune even to smallpox. Jenner expressed his view that smallpox could be eradicated through universal vaccination. A number of scientists later endorsed this view. However, efforts to eradicate other illnesses, such as yellow fever and malaria, were unsuccessful. Smallpox, on the other hand, met all the criteria for eradication.
The WHO executive board had suggested the eradication of smallpox already in 1953 and every year after that. The efforts, however, were too modest. In 1958, the Soviet delegate suggested an elaborate plan based exclusively upon mass vaccination. Though there were still not sufficient financial resources, the plan was put into action. The plan was rethought and the final eradication program was approved by...