WHO commemorates the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox, emphasizing the unity of all countries will be invincible

　　China News Agency, Beijing, May 9 (Geneva): On the 8th local time, the World Health Organization, looking back on the 40th anniversary of the global eradication of smallpox, looks back on the history of human victory over smallpox, calling for global solidarity and cooperation to defeat the new crown virus (COVID- 19).

　　WHO Director-General Tan Desai said in a video press conference held on the same day that today, 40 years ago, on May 8, 1980, the World Health Assembly officially announced the elimination of smallpox on a global scale.

Data map: In February 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tan Desai attended the 56th Munich Security Conference and delivered a speech. China News Service reporter Peng Dawei

　　Introduced, smallpox is the first and only human disease that has been eliminated globally. Before smallpox was wiped out, it had plagued humans for at least 3,000 years and claimed the lives of 300 million people in the 20th century alone. "Eliminating smallpox is the most glorious public health achievement in history."

　　"The decisive factor in the victory over smallpox is global solidarity and cooperation." Tan Desai said that at the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union realized that the virus did not distinguish between countries or ideologies, and joined forces to conquer the common enemy, the virus. "Now more than ever, the need for national unity is the only way to overcome the new crown virus."

　　Tan Desai said that when the world is facing the pandemic of the new coronavirus, the past of human victory over smallpox reminds us, "When the world is united, we will be invincible."

　　Tan Desai said that New Corona virus, like smallpox, is not only a decisive challenge in the public health field, but also a test of global solidarity and mutual assistance, but at the same time provides opportunities to change the global health situation and inspire people to build healthier, safer, A fairer world benefits all mankind and realizes the dream of WHO at the beginning of its establishment-universal health.

　　It is reported that to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox, the United Nations Postal Administration and WHO will jointly issue commemorative stamps to promote global solidarity in the fight against smallpox. (Finish)