One of humanity’s greatest triumphs is the eradication of smallpox. It happened because a handful of public health heroes conquered social stigma, local politics, and much more with an unwavering determination to achieve the impossible. This new eight-episode docuseries explores this remarkable triumph and uncovers some striking parallels and marked contrasts to recent history in the shadows of the covid-19 pandemic. Host Céline Gounder, a physician and epidemiologist, traveled to India and Bangladesh, and her field recordings anchor the season. Each episode mines the smallpox-eradication history for lessons relevant to the next public-health emergency. New episodes coming this summer.
"Eradicating Smallpox” is a journey to South Asia, the site of the last days of variola major smallpox. Many epidemiologists and global health leaders thought that ending smallpox was impossible. They were wrong. Dedicated public health workers made it happen.
“Eradicating Smallpox” is an eight-episode, limited series amplifying their voices.
Host Céline Gounder, a physician and epidemiologist, traveled to India and Bangladesh, and her field recordings anchor the season. Each episode mines the smallpox-eradication history for lessons relevant to the next public-health emergency.
New episodes coming this summer.