Donald Hopkins

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Closing remarks from Donald R. Hopkins

Donald R. Hopkins is an American physician and public health official known for his work in the eradication of infectious diseases. He has played a significant role in the global efforts to eliminate smallpox and Guinea worm disease.

Early Life and Education

Donald Hopkins was born in Miami, Florida. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Chicago and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Career

Smallpox Eradication

Hopkins joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the early 1970s, where he became involved in the World Health Organization's (WHO) campaign to eradicate smallpox. His work took him to several countries, including India and Ethiopia, where he played a crucial role in the successful eradication of the disease.

Guinea Worm Eradication

After the success of the smallpox campaign, Hopkins turned his attention to Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis. He joined the Carter Center in Atlanta, where he became the director of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program. Under his leadership, the program has made significant progress, reducing the number of cases from millions to just a few dozen annually.

Awards and Recognition

Donald Hopkins has received numerous awards for his contributions to public health, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the Prince Mahidol Award. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Publications

Hopkins has authored several books and articles on public health and disease eradication, including The Greatest Killer: Smallpox in History.

Legacy

Donald Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the field of public health. His work has had a lasting impact on the global efforts to eradicate infectious diseases, and he continues to be an influential voice in the field.

See Also

• Smallpox
• Guinea worm disease
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Carter Center
• World Health Organization