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CDC Pioneer Dr. William Foege Passes at 89

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. William Foege, former director of the CDC, died at 89 in Atlanta on January 27.
He led the smallpox eradication effort with ring containment by vaccinating contacts of infected individuals.
The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980.
He served as director of the CDC from 1977 to 1983.
In 2012, U.S. President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Freedom.

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Story summary

Dr. William Foege, former director of the CDC, died at 89 in Atlanta on January 27.
He led the smallpox eradication effort with ring containment by vaccinating contacts of infected individuals.
The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980.
He served as director of the CDC from 1977 to 1983.
In 2012, U.S. President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Freedom.