William Foege

American epidemiologist and public health leader

William Herbert Foege (born March 12, 1936) is an American epidemiologist and public health leader known for his work in the eradication of smallpox. He served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1977 to 1983.

Early life and education

William Foege was born in Decorah, Iowa. He attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Foege also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Career

Smallpox eradication

William H. Foege

Foege is best known for his role in the successful campaign to eradicate smallpox. In the late 1960s, he developed the "surveillance and containment" strategy, which involved identifying and isolating outbreaks of smallpox rather than attempting mass vaccination. This approach was instrumental in the global eradication of the disease, which was certified by the World Health Organization in 1980.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Foege served as the director of the CDC from 1977 to 1983. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of preventive medicine and the need for a strong public health infrastructure. He also played a key role in expanding the CDC's focus to include non-communicable diseases and injuries.

Later career

After leaving the CDC, Foege continued to work in public health, serving as an advisor to various organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has been a strong advocate for global health initiatives and has worked to improve health systems in developing countries.

Awards and honors

Foege has received numerous awards for his contributions to public health, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine.

Legacy

William Foege's work in the field of epidemiology and public health has had a lasting impact on global health. His strategies for disease eradication and his leadership at the CDC have influenced public health policies and practices worldwide.

Related pages

• Smallpox eradication
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Epidemiology