40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) in collaboration with WHO issue a stamp in the denomination of CHF 1,70, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox.

The stamp was unveiled virtually on 8 May by the WHO Director-General during a commemorative event  in Geneva, signifies what national unity and global solidary can achieve.

WHO’s smallpox eradication campaign was launched in 1967. WHO raised awareness about smallpox across the world through postage stamps.

In 1980 May, the 33rd World Health Assembly issued its official declaration that the world and all its peoples have won freedom from smallpox.

The causative agent of Smallpox is the Variola virus. It is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae of family Poxviridae.

The symptoms of smallpox include fever (range of 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), malaise, head and body aches, vomiting, rashes which turn into small red spots on the tongue and mouth, sores and bumps.

In 1796, Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine. The smallpox disease has now been eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program.