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Dr. William Foege, Smallpox Eradication Pioneer, Dies at 94

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 8:23 GMT by WSB-TV
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ETHIOPIA, NIGERIA

ATLANTA -- Dr. William Foege, a towering figure in public health and the driving force behind the global eradication of smallpox, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. The announcement was made by The Carter Center, where Dr. Foege served as a dedicated visiting health advisor. His death marks the loss of a visionary leader whose work fundamentally altered the course of human history.

Foege's leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) smallpox eradication program, beginning in 1972, was nothing short of monumental. He skillfully guided a worldwide campaign that ultimately led to the official declaration of smallpox eradication in 1980 - a feat considered one of the greatest achievements in public health. Before this triumph, smallpox had plagued humanity for thousands of years, leaving a trail of death and disfigurement across continents. Its elimination stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration, dedicated research, and unwavering commitment to disease prevention.

"Bill Foege was a giant in public health, and his legacy will live on for generations," said former President Jimmy Carter in a heartfelt statement. "His leadership and compassion made it possible to eradicate smallpox, a disease that had plagued humanity for millennia." The Carter Center's close association with Dr. Foege underscores the deep respect and shared values they held regarding global health initiatives.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1936, Foege demonstrated an early commitment to service. He pursued his medical degree at Yale University and later earned a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, building a strong foundation for his future career. He joined the CDC in 1967, initially focusing on the prevention of measles and rubella, quickly establishing himself as a rising star within the organization. His expertise and dedication soon led to his appointment as the head of the smallpox eradication program - a task that would define his life's work.

The smallpox eradication campaign was a logistical and political undertaking of unprecedented scale. It required the vaccination of hundreds of millions of people across dozens of countries, many of which faced internal conflicts, limited infrastructure, and vaccine supply challenges. Dr. Foege's innovative approach, including the strategy of "surveillance and containment" - swiftly identifying and vaccinating contacts of new cases - proved crucial to the program's success. This method minimized vaccine waste and maximized its impact in remote and challenging regions.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, Foege navigated complex political landscapes, securing the cooperation of governments and local communities, often in areas where trust was scarce. He understood that eradication wasn't simply a medical challenge; it was a social and political one as well. His diplomatic skills were essential in gaining access to vulnerable populations and ensuring the sustainability of vaccination programs.

Following the eradication of smallpox, Dr. Foege remained a tireless advocate for public health. He continued to work with The Carter Center, expanding its efforts to combat preventable diseases like Guinea worm disease and promoting health education initiatives around the globe. He frequently emphasized the importance of investing in primary healthcare systems as the cornerstone of a healthy society.

In recent years, Dr. Foege became increasingly vocal about the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation. He warned that complacency in the face of preventable diseases could undo decades of progress and urged for continued vigilance and public health education. His perspective, informed by the success of the smallpox eradication program, carried significant weight in the ongoing debates surrounding vaccination.

Dr. William Foege is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children. His legacy extends far beyond the eradication of a single disease. He leaves behind a world demonstrably safer and healthier, and a lasting example of what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and a unwavering belief in the power of public health. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of public health professionals to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.