**Question:** Global eradication of small pox was done on:-

A. 1967
B. 1972
C. 1975
D. 1980

**Correct Answer:** D. 1980

**Core Concept:** Smallpox is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the variola virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) led a global campaign to eradicate smallpox, a disease that was once responsible for millions of deaths annually.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Smallpox eradication was achieved through a combination of measures, including:

1. **Immunization:** The development and widespread distribution of the smallpox vaccine played a crucial role in reducing the disease's prevalence. The vaccine, known as variolation, was first introduced by Dr. Edward Jenner in the late 18th century.
2. **Containment and surveillance:** Governments, healthcare workers, and the public were educated about the disease, its transmission, and the importance of reporting suspected cases. This helped identify, isolate, and stop the spread of the virus.
3. **Global collaboration:** The WHO coordinated the eradication effort, involving countries worldwide in the fight against smallpox. This collective effort facilitated the elimination of the disease from the planet.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. 1967: Smallpox eradication efforts began much earlier than 1967, with variolation by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century. While smallpox vaccination gained momentum in the late 1960s, eradication was not achieved until later.

B. 1972: While variolation and containment measures were initiated in the late 19th century, the global eradication effort reached its peak in the 1970s. However, the disease was not completely eradicated until 1980.

C. 1975: While variolation and containment measures gained traction during this time period, the global eradication effort was not successful until the year 1980.

D. 1980: This is the correct answer, as it marks the year when the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated globally. By 1977, no new cases had been reported for over a year, and the last naturally occurring case was confirmed in Somalia in 1977. The World Health Organization (WHO) continued its efforts to confirm the eradication and document the last cases.

**Clinical Pearls:**

Smallpox eradication serves as a prime example of the effectiveness of global collaboration and coordinated public health efforts in combating infectious diseases. The timeline demonstrates the importance of sustained efforts, including vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and international cooperation, to eradicate a disease. As of now, the WHO maintains a registry of all individuals who have been vaccinated against smallpox, as a preventive measure against potential bioterrorism or accidental release of the virus.