Which of the following is noted as a notable work of the World Health Organization?

• A. Helping to eradicate smallpox
• B. Development of polio vaccine
• C. Global malaria elimination
• D. TB treatment guidelines

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the World Health Organization’s most notable achievement is leading the global eradication of smallpox. This stands out because it is the only human disease that has been completely wiped out worldwide, a feat proven through coordinated vaccination, surveillance, and rapid response across continents. The eradication effort intensified in the 1960s, with strategies like mass vaccination and ring vaccination to quickly identify and contain cases, stopping transmission at every level. In 1980, the WHO declared smallpox eradicated, marking a historic milestone in public health and showing that coordinated global action can eliminate a disease entirely. This achievement also established enduring principles for later health campaigns, such as the importance of surveillance systems, partnerships, and political commitment.

The other options describe important health developments or ongoing programs, but they do not reflect a globally completed eradication achievement by the WHO. The polio vaccine was developed by researchers, and while WHO has played a major role in polio vaccination efforts, the notable singular accomplishment here is smallpox eradication. Malaria elimination has not been achieved globally, and TB treatment guidelines, though crucial, represent guidelines and ongoing work rather than a completed global eradication milestone.