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Learning from smallpox: How to eradicate a disease - Julie Garon and Walter A. Orenstein

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TEDEd Animation

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For most of human history, we have sought to treat and cure diseases. But only in recent decades did it become possible to ensure that a particular disease never threatens humanity again. Julie Garon and Walter A. Orenstein detail how the story of smallpox – the first and only disease to be permanently eliminated – shows how disease eradication can happen, and why it is so difficult to achieve.

There have been efforts to eradicate malaria in the past. What makes this task difficult?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Walter A. Orenstein, Julie Garon
  • Director Hector Herrera
  • Producer Pazit Cahlon
  • Sound Designer Nick Sewell
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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