Dr. William H. Foege, the epidemiologist who pioneered the ring vaccination strategy that led to smallpox eradication, died Jan. 24 at his Atlanta home. He was 89.
Foege's breakthrough in 1960s Nigeria — vaccinating only those exposed to the virus rather than entire populations, reducing the number of vaccines required — became the foundation for making smallpox the first infectious disease globally eradicated in 1980.
The contributions from this “giant in global public health,” from leading the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cofounding major global health institutions, have prompted an outpouring of tributes calling him one of the field's most impactful figures.
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About the author
Rebecca L. Root
Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.
