[OC] Smallpox: when was it eliminated in each country? Visualization

What This Visualization Shows

This data visualization displays "[OC] Smallpox: when was it eliminated in each country?" and provides a clear visual representation of the underlying data patterns and trends. The visualization focuses on **Data sources:** [Fenner et al. 1988](https://iris.who.int/items/ba4ab312-1c43-4304-8235-969979499717), "Smallpox and its Eradication"

**Tools used:** We started with our custom data visualization tool, the [OWID-Grapher](https://github.com/owid/owid-grapher), and finished in Figma. You can view the [interactive version of the chart here](https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/decade-in-which-smallpox-ceased-to-be-endemic-by-country).

Some more info about the chart and what it shows:

>[William Foege](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Foege), who sadly died last month, is one of the reasons why this map ends in the 1970s.

>The physician and epidemiologist is best known for his pivotal role in the global strategy to eradicate smallpox, a horrific disease [estimated to have killed](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.06.080) 300 million people.

>Despite the world having an effective vaccine for more than a century, smallpox was still widespread across many parts of Africa and Asia in the mid-20th century.

>Foege played a crucial role in developing the “[ring vaccination strategy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_vaccination)”, which focused on vaccinating people around each identified case, rather than attempting a population-wide vaccination strategy, which was difficult in countries with limited resources.

>This strategy, combined with increased global funding efforts and support for local health programs, paved the way: country after country declared itself free of smallpox. You can see this drop-off through the decades in the map.

>The disease was declared globally eradicated in 1980.

>William Foege and his colleagues’ contributions are [credited with](https://www.taskforce.org/bill-foege-tribute/) saving millions, if not tens of millions of lives.

>[Read more about the history of smallpox.](https://ourworldindata.org/smallpox), which allows us to understand complex relationships and insights within the data through visual storytelling.

Deep Dive into the Topic

This data visualization represents a sophisticated analysis of complex information patterns that provide valuable insights into underlying trends and relationships. Data visualization serves as a bridge between raw numerical data and human understanding, transforming abstract statistics into comprehensible visual narratives.

The power of data visualization lies in its ability to reveal patterns, outliers, and correlations that might not be apparent in traditional tabular formats. Through careful selection of chart types, color schemes, and interactive elements, effective visualizations can communicate complex information quickly and accurately to diverse audiences.

Modern data visualization combines statistical analysis with design principles to create compelling visual stories. This interdisciplinary approach requires understanding both the underlying data and the cognitive processes involved in visual perception. The result is more effective communication of quantitative insights that can inform decision-making and drive positive change.

Data Analysis and Insights

The patterns revealed in this visualization demonstrate the importance of systematic data analysis in understanding complex phenomena. By examining different data segments, time periods, and categorical breakdowns, we can identify trends that inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Statistical analysis of this data reveals variations across different dimensions that provide insights into underlying drivers and relationships. These patterns help identify areas of opportunity, potential risks, and key performance indicators that can guide future actions and resource allocation.

The analytical approach used in this visualization enables comparison across different categories, time periods, or geographic regions, revealing insights that support evidence-based decision-making. This type of analysis is essential for organizations seeking to optimize performance and understand complex market dynamics.

Significance and Applications

This data visualization has important implications for understanding trends and patterns that affect decision-making across multiple sectors. The insights derived from this analysis can inform policy development, business strategy, resource allocation, and operational improvements.

For analysts, researchers, and decision-makers, this type of data visualization provides essential insights for strategic planning and performance optimization. Whether addressing operational challenges, market analysis, or policy development, understanding data patterns helps create more effective strategies and solutions.

The broader significance lies in how this information contributes to our understanding of complex systems and relationships. This knowledge helps predict future trends, identify potential challenges, and develop more informed approaches to problem-solving and opportunity identification.