World Immunization Week

CDC plays a critical role in promoting global immunization by providing scientific leadership and guidance to implement evidence-based vaccination strategies against disease. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of this effort—the Smallpox Eradication Program. 

During this year’s World Immunization Week, CDC’s Global Immunization Division celebrates this 50th anniversary by sharing key historical highlights, recognizing unsung global vaccination champions, and announcing CDC’s future global immunization strategies.

Historical perspective

In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson proposed that the U.S. government fund smallpox and measles vaccination campaigns in 18 African countries. The Congress approved the funding for CDC’s Smallpox Eradication Program in January 1966. From that early effort, there are now global initiatives that has saved generations of children around the world.

Vaccination champions

CDC worked tirelessly to: support global smallpox eradication; 2) establish and develop the worldwide Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI); 3) lead global efforts to eradicate polio and eliminate measles and rubella; and, 4) introduce additional life-saving vaccines into national governments’ immunization efforts, such as tetanus and whooping cough.

Often this global success against disease has been made possible by the work of visionary individuals such as Dr. Walt Dowdle, Dr. Ralph “Rafe” Henderson, and Bob Keegan. Their stories are being told as part of this week’s activities.

New plan for global vaccination

This week CDC will also highlight a new plan for global vaccination. The plan, CDC’s Strategic Framework for Global Immunization, 2016-2020, builds on the 50 years of CDC’s public health leadership and global immunization expertise to protect Americans and all global citizen.