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. 1998;76(3):219–232.

Smallpox eradication in West and Central Africa*

William H Foege, J D Millar, D A Henderson
PMCID: PMC2305709

Abstract

In 1966, a programme to eradicate smallpox and control measles began in West and Central Africa. With WHO and US bilateral technical and financial assistance, the 20 countries mounted a coordinated campaign of mass vaccination, assessment, surveillance, and maintenance activities. The last cases of smallpox occurred in May 1970. The introduction of epidemiologically directed surveillance-containment activities and their rapid success resulted in interruption of smallpox transmission much sooner than anticipated. The area has remained free of smallpox. From 1966 to 1972, over 28 000 000 children 1-6 years of age also received measles vaccination. The campaign established or strengthened structures for preventive health care services in all the countries.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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