PHIN Celebrates Public Health History
Communicating to the field technicians over a network known as the “Smallpox Zero Radio”, was an
integral method of disseminating information between smallpox eradication team members. Data collection
was followed by data analyses. These findings had to be transmitted between members, so as to make
eradication efforts most efficient, and radio was a proven technology that enabled this to take place.
At the time, this man was distributing the “weekly report”, which consisted of any new case findings,
supply line deliveries, and pertinent team member protocols.
Remembered as David from the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist pictured
above was photographed as he was seated at the “Smallpox Zero” HQ radio, sending and receiving pertinent
eradication campaign information, which he’d share with colleagues later at one of the scheduled group
meetings. Travel throughout the terrain of Bangladesh was not easy, and the use of a radio like the one
shown here was integral in achieving a successful smallpox eradication outcome.
Today, PHIN utilizes modern technology, but the idea is the same: PHIN ensures the information technology
that supports public health and its numerous dependent partners operate, integrate, are accessible, and
work together as a cohesive whole to support public health preparedness and response.
