William H. Foege, House on Fire: The Fight to Eradicate Smallpox

Extract

The strength of House on Fire is the first-hand and insider knowledge that distinguished American epidemiologist William (Bill) Foege brings to his account of the World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign that culminated in the eradication of smallpox. In his conclusion Foege writes that ‘The coordinated action of a group of dedicated people can plan for and bring about a better future’ (p. 188). The successful outcome was one of the great public health triumphs of the twentieth century and one that many people thought impossible. The endorsements on the book cover pay tribute to the campaign and to Foege's part in its success. This relatively slim book is written around Foege's involvement with different phases of the campaign and is organised into two chronological sections based on his time in Africa and a few years later in India. The conclusion presents lessons for similar public health campaigns, while in an appendix he uses these lessons for a less ‘anaemic’ (p. 195) plan in the event of smallpox bioterrorism in America.