The certification of the eradication of smallpox was officially announced by the World Health Organization in December 1979. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, had plagued humanity for centuries, characterized by fever and a distinctive skin rash that often left permanent scars on survivors. The global effort to eradicate smallpox began in 1967 when the WHO launched a massive campaign aimed at vaccinating populations around the world. This initiative included not only vaccination but also surveillance and containment of outbreaks. The last natural case of smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977, marking a significant turning point in the global health campaign.

Following the last natural infection, extensive efforts continued in laboratories around the world to ensure that the virus could not escape into open populations. In 1980, the WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated, making it the first disease to be eliminated by human effort. This unprecedented achievement was made possible by global cooperation, innovative public health strategies, and the widespread use of the smallpox vaccine, developed long before the eradication campaign began. The success of this public health endeavor would pave the way for future campaigns against other infectious diseases, reinforcing the notion that coordinated vaccination can conquer even the most formidable foes.

The eradication of smallpox is often celebrated not only for its immediate health benefits but also for its profound implications for global health policy. The proof of smallpox' elimination demonstrated the potential of vaccination and public health measures, offering a template for combating other diseases. Since then, health organizations have aimed to replicate such success, tackling diseases like polio and measles through similar strategies, thereby reshaping global health initiatives for future generations.