I am fortunate enough to know Bill Foege, to have worked for him at the CDC, to be mentored by his example, and to enjoy many lectures he has given. He is simply one of the great people of our time. Although I went to Nigeria for 3 months in 1969 to work on smallpox immunizations and worked at the CDC for 30 years (in birth defects), there was much about the smallpox eradication story I did not know. I found this book so exciting that it was difficult to put down. I think that all who work in public health will enjoy this book. New students in public health should be inspired by and learn from reading this story of public health action that made such and important difference for mankind. I suspect many a layman or woman will also enjoy this wonderful, readable book.
I draw attention to one of Foege's important messages. If you seek to improve a human condition, it is important to know that you have an intervention that works and that you can tell whether or not the intervention has improved the outcome. It is not just enough to throw good will and money at the problem. As Foege says: "this is a cause-and-effect world, and smallpox disappeared because of a plan, conceivewd and implemented on purpose by people."
On a lighter note, I enjoyed his saying never hire a pessimist. If you need one for a while, contract for one.
January 10, 2020. Placing my umptienth order for four copies to give to those I think will enjoy or be inspired to work on the total prevention of spina bifida F--a disabling and often fatal birth defect that we have the "vaccine? for --required, mass fortification of food such as flour or salt with the B vitamin folic acid--but we are not using for 80% of the global population. We have had the vaccine for 29 years. I hope it will not be 200 years before all women of reproductive age have been "vaccinated" to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly--an always fatal birth defect that folic acid fortification prevents.
19/02/2023 placing a new order. Just read new review that recommends all incoming students to school of public health shoujld read this book. I agree. Dr. Victor Hoffbrand, a distinguised academic hematology who has a text of hematology in its 8th edition has just published a book "The Folate Story: A Vitamin under the Microscope." I enjoyed as much as House on Fire. I highly recommend it to laymen and academics, especially those who are students of public health. I gave a 5 stars.
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This item: House on Fire: The Fight to Eradicate Smallpox (California/Milbank Books on Health and the Public) (Volume 21)
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- Smallpox: The Death of a Disease: The Inside Story of Eradicating a Worldwide KillerD. A. Henderson M.D.Paperback
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2011
- Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2011
- Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2011
Top reviews from other countries
- Karen CReviewed in Canada on June 11, 2013
Remarkable book by a remarkable public health leader
