Four decades ago a remarkable achievement set in motion an event that changed millions of lives forever.
That progress continues today.
In 1980, the world was declared free of smallpox. That inspired other ambitious goals and partnerships that have:
- Reduced childhood mortality by 60 percent
- Helped 50 countries eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease
- Reduced polio by 99 percent
The Task Force for Global Health, founded in 1984, is honored to contribute to this work.
As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we share highlights below.
Our Founder
Dr. William H. Foege, co-founder of The Task Force for Global Health, is best known for orchestrating the successful strategy to eradicate smallpox (achieved in 1980) and serving as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1977-1983). He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
In March 1984, a group of 34 global health experts met to discuss a critical challenge: how to reduce the number of children contracting and dying of preventable diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. With five sponsoring agencies – the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the Rockefeller Foundation – participants launched The Task Force for Child Survival, with Dr. Foege at the helm. He established The Task Force as an affiliate of Emory University and brought on two co-founders, former CDC colleagues Bill Watson and Carol Walters.
Within just six years, Task Force partners had quadrupled the share of children worldwide who had received at least one vaccination to 80 percent.
The Task Force’s success drew the attention of others with bold goals, leading to a wide range of partnerships to eliminate diseases, ensure access to vaccines, and build strong health systems around the world. Dr. Foege oversaw the growth of The Task Force for 16 years, before retiring in 2000. In 2009, the organization was renamed The Task Force for Global Health.
Task Force in the Media
Patrick O’Carroll, The Task Force President & CEO, was featured in the Infectious Diseases campaign of the Guardian, History shows value of partnership to tackle health challenges.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), provided remarks at Task Force’s 40th anniversary congressional reception in DC. Read Dr. Tedros’ remarks on WHO’s website here.
Atlanta media outlet The Champion highlights role of Senator Warnock and WHO Director-General in celebrating Task Force anniversary. Read more.
WSB-TV’s People 2 People highlighted Task Force’s work in an interview with Task Force President and CEO Dr. Patrick O’Carroll. Watch the first part and second part of the interview.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) published this 1,500-word feature interview with Task Force co-founder Dr. Bill Foege about The Task Force, online and in print. The extensive feature covers the genesis and history of The Task Force, as well as success stories, our 40th anniversary and global progress on child survival.
Atlanta Business Chronicle published an interview with Task Force President and CEO Patrick O’Carroll, “On Leadership: Philanthropy & Nonprofits: The Task Force for Global Health marks 40 years with an eye on the future” in the form of an online article.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s podcast is part of the WABE Studios Podcast Network and ran on air on WABE-FM (Atlanta’s local NPR station) in its “On Leadership” segment and was posted on WABE-FM’s website.
The Saporta Report published Task Force President and CEO Patrick O’Carroll’s guest column, “Decatur-based global health nonprofit marks 40 years of impact and partnership”
Decaturish.com published “Task Force for Global Health opens William Foege Collaboration Center in honor of 40th anniversary”on the occasion of the opening of the William H. Foege Collaboration Center at our 40th Anniversary celebration on May 9.
