In what year did the WHO declare the eradication of naturally occurring smallpox?

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the eradication of naturally occurring smallpox in 1980. This monumental event was the result of a global vaccination campaign that successfully eliminated the disease, which was a significant achievement in public health. Smallpox was the first disease to be eradicated by vaccination efforts, and this declaration represented the culmination of years of research, strategy, and cooperation among nations.

The timing of the eradication is critical, as it emphasizes the importance of vaccination in controlling and ultimately eliminating infectious diseases. The successful global effort to eradicate smallpox serves as a model for combating other infectious diseases today.