During the 20th century, approximately how many people died from smallpox worldwide? *

During the 20th century, smallpox was responsible for an estimated 300 million deaths worldwide. This highly infectious and deadly disease notably caused significant morbidity and mortality throughout the century. However, due to successful global vaccination campaigns led by the World Health Organization, smallpox was officially declared eradicated in 1980, making it the first disease to be eliminated through human intervention. The eradication of smallpox stands as a significant achievement in public health, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality rates. The global effort not only saved countless lives but also provided a framework for combating other infectious diseases through coordinated public health measures.