Ali Maow Maalin

Smallpox virus virions TEM PHIL 1849

Ali Maow Maalin (1954 – 22 July 2013) was a Somali health worker known for being the last person in the world to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox. His case marked a significant milestone in the Eradication of smallpox, a global effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO) that resulted in smallpox being declared eradicated in 1980.

Early Life and Infection[edit | edit source]

Little is known about Maalin's early life. He was born in 1954 in Somalia. In 1977, Maalin worked as a cook at a hospital in Merca, a small town in Somalia. Despite the ongoing smallpox vaccination campaign in Somalia, Maalin had not been vaccinated. In March 1977, he contracted the Variola minor virus, a less deadly form of smallpox, after driving two infected children to a vaccination clinic.

Diagnosis and Recovery[edit | edit source]

Maalin's case was identified and diagnosed by the World Health Organization's surveillance team. He was immediately isolated, and efforts were intensified to trace and vaccinate anyone who had been in contact with him. Maalin recovered from the disease without any serious complications. His survival and recovery were crucial in the final phase of the smallpox eradication campaign, highlighting the importance of vaccination and disease surveillance.

Life After Smallpox[edit | edit source]

After recovering from smallpox, Maalin dedicated his life to the eradication of polio and other preventable diseases. He worked with the WHO and other health organizations, participating in vaccination campaigns across Somalia. Maalin's firsthand experience with smallpox made him a passionate advocate for vaccination. He often spoke about the importance of eradicating polio, drawing parallels between his experience with smallpox and the ongoing fight against polio.

Death[edit | edit source]

Ali Maow Maalin died on 22 July 2013 from malaria in Merca, Somalia. His death was widely mourned by the global health community, who remembered him not only as the last person to contract naturally occurring smallpox but also as a dedicated health worker and advocate for disease eradication.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Maalin's legacy is intertwined with the history of smallpox eradication. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of global vaccination campaigns and the potential to eradicate infectious diseases. Maalin's life after smallpox, dedicated to public health and vaccination advocacy, continues to inspire health workers around the world.