WHO

Smallpox is a devastating disease caused by the variola virus. In 1980, following an historic global campaign of surveillance and vaccination, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated – the only infectious disease to achieve this distinction.

• The Smallpox Eradication Programme - SEP (1966-1980)

WHO

The period since eradication has been defined by a lengthy and complex debate focussed on the destruction of the last remaining stocks of live variola virus. In 1996, at the 49th WHA, Member States decided to have this stock destroyed in June 1999, only to allow for temporary retention for further research in subsequent years.

• More about post-eradication of smallpox

WHO

The World Health Assembly has passed resolutions (WHA52.10) (WHA 55.15) authorizing temporary retention of the existing stocks of variola virus for the purpose of further essential research. The research is overseen by the Advisory Committee for Variola Virus Research that meets on an annual basis.

• Variola virus research

WHO

After human-to-human transmission of smallpox had been interrupted the likelihood of reintroduction or re-emergence of smallpox was negligible. Nevertheless a Smallpox Vaccine Emergency Stockpile was created to ensure that smallpox vaccine is immediately available should there be a need.

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WHO assists countries in diagnosing suspected smallpox cases by directing them to the most appropriate and convenient laboratory for the analysis of samples, using the network of WHO Collaborating Centres as well as other laboratories that form part of the Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network (EDPLN).

• Diagnostics Laboratory Network

WHO

Preparedness to deal with any kind of smallpox event requires global and national attention. Additional steps for enhancing WHO Member State preparedness includes the strengthening of laboratory capacities for diagnostics for the detection of variola virus; expansion of expertise in the area of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity; and strengthening of national-level biosafety regulations in all countries.

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WHO

The WHO Smallpox Secretariat, based in WHO’s Headquarters, manages the Smallpox Vaccine Emergency Stockpile, coordinates the research activities and the biosafety and biosecurity inspections of the repositories and reports to WHO’s Governing Bodies.

• WHO smallpox Secretariat