Story perspectives
Public Health Pioneer William Foege Passes at 89
1/25/2026
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Story summary
- William H. Foege, a pivotal figure in public health, died at age 89 in Atlanta from congestive heart failure.
- Foege helped develop the vaccination strategy that eradicated smallpox.
- Foege led the early U.S. response to the AIDS epidemic as director of the CDC.
- Foege's public health vision included addressing gun violence.
