Thread by @WHO

#OnThisDay 40 years ago, #smallpox was made history.

It's the only human disease to be eradicated so far.

A lesson we must take is: when the 🌍 unites behind science and public health measures we can defeat diseases and protect lives and livelihoods.

Commemorating #Smallpox Eradication – a legacy of hope, for #COVID19 and other diseases 👉 bit.ly/2SNzrR4

On 8 May 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly officially declared: ‘The world and all its peoples have won freedom from smallpox.'

#Smallpox was ended, thanks to a 10-year global effort, spearheaded by the World Health Organization, that involved thousands of #healthworkers around the world who administered half a billion vaccinations to stamp out the disease. bit.ly/2SNzrR4

The world spent US$ 300m on eradicating #smallpox. That now saves the world well over US$ 1 billion every year. bit.ly/2SNzrR4

The world got rid of #smallpox thanks to an incredible demonstration of global solidarity, and because it had a safe and effective vaccine. Solidarity plus science equalled solution! bit.ly/2SNzrR4

After #smallpox was eradicated, WHO and @UNICEF launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization, which has ensured 85% of the world’s children are vaccinated and protected from debilitating diseases. bit.ly/2SNzrR4 #VaccinesWork

With the potential of a #COVID19 vaccine ahead, we must ensure:
-sufficient supplies
-full understanding of how the vaccine can protect and why it’s important for individual and community health
-universal access to accurate public health information and education.