Ali Maow Maalin, a Somali cook, became the focus of attention when he developed a rash characteristic of smallpox, a highly contagious and lethal disease. This event marked a critical moment in public health history, as Maalin's case was identified as the last among naturally occurring infections. The incident was recorded in a rural area of Somalia, reflecting both the disease's stubborn persistence and the ongoing efforts to eliminate smallpox through vaccination campaigns initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This event occurred against the backdrop of a global initiative towards eradication, which began in earnest in the 1960s.

Maalin was known to have had contact with a smallpox virus, although his case was isolated and effectively contained. This containment highlighted the effectiveness of vaccination measures. Following this occurrence, WHO and the CDC marked it as a seminal point in the history of infectious disease control, solidifying the view of smallpox eradication as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Consequently, the world could shift focus from battling smallpox to addressing other communicable diseases.

In the years following Maalin's case, health experts studied the methodologies used to contain and eliminate smallpox, applying lessons learned to various vaccination efforts against other diseases. The end of smallpox was officially declared by WHO in 1980, following a robust campaign that underscored global cooperation in health initiatives that had become more pronounced in the 1970s. Ali Maow Maalin's unfortunate infection marked not just an endpoint for smallpox's natural transmission but also a launchpad for understanding global health interventions.