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Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the smallpox and polio epidemics and how health organizations applied principles of epidemiology to eradicate (or in the case of polio, nearly eradicate) these diseases.
In light of these examples, consider the benefits of addressing smallpox and polio at the population level. What were the population health strategies that were used in the efforts to eradicate smallpox and polio?
Consider similarities and differences from an epidemiologic perspective among the smallpox and polio epidemics and that of COVID-19.
Think about how principles of epidemiology are being applied—or could be applied—to address COVID-19.
What lessons from the use of infectious disease epidemiology in the past might be applicable to controlling COVID 19?
What are the benefits of addressing this issue at the population level as opposed to the individual level?
COLLEAGUE POST 1
ERADICATION OF SMALLPOX, POLIO, AND COVID-19
Smallpox, polio, and COVID-19 differ epidemiologically in terms of transmission dynamics, severity, and vaccination strategies. Smallpox, transmitted through respiratory droplets with a high mortality rate, was eradicated through vaccination campaigns targeting the entire population (Center for Global Development, n.d.). Polio, primarily fecal-oral transmitted, led to paralysis, and global efforts concentrated on mass vaccination to achieve herd immunity (World Health Organization, n.d.). COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreads through respiratory droplets with varying severity, prompting the application of epidemiological principles like testing, contact tracing, quarantine measures, and vaccination campaigns (Wilson et al., 2021).
The eradications of smallpox and polio offers lessons for combating COVID-19. Effective surveillance, timely interventions, and international collaboration are pivotal, emphasizing the importance of a global approach. Successful vaccination campaigns against smallpox and polio demonstrate the potential impact of widespread immunity, aligning with the urgency and coordinated efforts needed for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic (Wilson et al., 2021).
Addressing COVID-19 at the population level is crucial for comprehensive control. Population-level strategies, learned from smallpox and polio eradications, include achieving herd immunity, reducing transmission, and safeguarding vulnerable populations. While individual-level interventions are vital for clinical care, they may not suffice for widespread disease control. Therefore, a population-focused approach, informed by epidemiological principles, remains essential in the ongoing efforts against COVID-19 (Friis & Sellers, 2021).
COLLEAGUE POST 2
ERADICATION OF SMALLPOX, POLIO, AND COVID-19
Smallpox is among the oldest epidemics that occurred in the 20th century and killed more than 300 million people. Fortunately, smallpox was eradicated following a global vaccination and disease surveillance program between the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recruited young physicians and public health advisors across the world who trained individuals and communities on techniques for containment. The smallpox vaccine was developed from the vaccinia virus, a weaker version of poxvirus (Rodewald, 2020). Another epidemic that is near eradication is Polio. Similar epidemiology principles used to eradicate smallpox are being used to eradicate polio and control outbreaks of other infections that cannot be eradicated. Training programs for healthcare workers and other health officials are conducted regularly to improve the management of polio outbreaks. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), in collaboration with other countries, initiated a children’s vaccine that has been essential in reducing the burden of Polio (Deressa et al., 2020). However, regions like Africa continue to fight Polio through the coordination of programs such as logistics management, resource mobilization, and social mobilization. Further, delivery of routine immunization and polio sensitization are conducted regularly.
Unlike smallpox and polio eradication, vaccination has not been sufficient in eradicating Covid-19. COVID-19 elimination has been achieved through a combination of non-pharmaceutical approaches such as physical distancing and mask-wearing that reduced transmission risk with trace strategy and effective tests that identified and treated infected persons in isolation. The intervention also included locating close contacts of infected persons and quarantining them with observation and testing. These interventions helped stop the chain of transmission and are similar to the smallpox surveillance and containment approach (Wilson et al., 2021). One of the lessons that can be learned is that protecting populations at risk requires ever-vigilant detection and response measures if the virus spreads across the world. For COVID-19, a Combination of vaccine and non-pharmaceutical measures will be crucial in providing direct protection and inducing population immunity.
The benefits of addressing the health problem at the population level include the collaboration and cooperation that is fundamental for the elimination, control, and eradication of the disease. At a population level, individuals help each other with information, knowledge, vaccines, and other technologies that make the world safer and healthier. Besides, it becomes easier for healthcare providers to detect and control virus variants at an earlier stage compared to when care is channeled individually.
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