“`html
ATLANTA (AP) – Dr. William Foege, a pivotal figure in eradicating smallpox globally, has died at the age of 89, according to the Task Force for Global Health, wich he co-founded.
A Legacy of Eradication: Remembering Dr. William Foege
Table of Contents
The world lost a giant in public health with the passing of Dr. William Foege, whose innovative strategies lead to the complete elimination of smallpox.
- Dr. Foege spearheaded the “ring containment” strategy that proved crucial in eradicating smallpox.
- he served as director of the CDC from 1977 to 1983.
- Foege received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
The towering 6-foot-7 inch physician wasn’t just physically imposing; he possessed a brilliant mind and a remarkably calm demeanor, qualities that proved invaluable in combating infectious diseases. His innovative approach to public health redefined how the world tackled some of its most persistent threats.
The Fight Against Smallpox
Foege’s most significant achievement centered on smallpox, a historically devastating disease. For centuries, smallpox claimed roughly one-third of those infected, leaving the majority of survivors permanently scarred by the characteristic pus-filled lesions. While vaccination campaigns existed, efforts to eradicate the disease stalled in many parts of the world.
Working as a medical missionary in Nigeria during the 1960s,Foege and his team developed a groundbreaking “ring containment” strategy. This involved swiftly identifying each smallpox case and vaccinating all potential contacts,effectively containing outbreaks.The strategy was born of necessity, as vaccine supplies were limited, as Foege detailed in his 2011 book, “House on Fire.”
This method proved remarkably effective and became a cornerstone of the global eradication effort. The last naturally occurring case of smallpox was recorded in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the World Health Organization officially declared smallpox eradicated from the planet.
A Legacy Beyond Smallpox
“If you look at the simple metric of who has saved the most lives, he is right up there with the pantheon. Smallpox eradication has prevented hundreds of millions of deaths,” remarked former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, who frequently consulted with Foege.
Born March 12,1936,Foege’s interest in medicine sparked at age 13 while working at a drugstore in Colville,Washington,despite his father being a Lutheran minister. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington in 1961 and a master’s in public health from Harvard in 1965.
Foege served as director of the atlanta-based CDC from 1977 to 1983, and continued to champion international health initiatives through leadership roles at the Carter center and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
in 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Foege the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour. Duke University President Richard Brodhead hailed him as “the Father of Global Health” during an honorary degree ceremony in 2016.
“Bill Foege had an unflagging commitment to improving the health of people across the world, through powerful, purpose-driven coalitions applying the best science available,” stated Task Force for Global Health CEO Dr. Patrick O’Carroll. “We try to honor that commitment in every one of our programs, every day.”
