A Vaccine for Small Pox - Essay Example

The above bottlenecks were overcome in the 1970s with the help of various governments and development agencies. U.S joined hands with countries like Russia and the WHO framework to make eradication a success. The decade of 1970 played a major role in helping the eradication of smallpox by conducting an Expanded Programme on Immunization. The smallpox eradication was then certified based on intense verification performed in the countries by a group of scientists who confirmed it in December 1979 and was acknowledged by WHO's Health Assembly in 1980.

1980 witnessed the fulfillment of the goal which was considered impossible. This was the greatest achievement of global public health in the 20th century. After the 1980s, people were free from the deadly virus. But it did not last for a longer time. WHO announced multiple deadlines in 1993, 1995 and 1999 to eradicate the remaining virus stocks. But they failed to accomplish the task in the expected deadline. In 2002 the U.S saw a sudden outbreak of smallpox. After which WHO declared a deadline within which they decided to completely prevent the further spread of the virus.

This too was not achieved within the stipulated time. The government decided not to destroy the virus until several research objectives were met. Some of the objectives include developing virus detection techniques and unique therapies for the smallpox vaccine. Although WHO recommended that all the virus samples should be destroyed, they could not do so as the agency lacked the legal authority over the government's decision. Both the government and WHO is to be blamed for not making the eradication process a success.

If they had conducted meetings with scientists, WHO, and government officials, they could have decided on how to destroy the virus and prevent it from spreading further. WHO limited itself by providing technical assistance and advice as per the government's order. At the same time, they received material support from UN agencies while UNICEF relinquished their participation. (Kelly Lee, 2003). If WHO had been allocated proper resources, they could have definitely made this a success.With the extensive help from the US government and other service organizations WHO's scientists and officials have invented a vaccine for the disease.

It helps in providing benefits post-exposure and helps in preventing the further spread of the disease. The days are counted as to when this will be implemented