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A story of courage and risk-taking, House on Fire tells how smallpox, a disease that killed, blinded, and scarred millions over centuries of human history, was completely eradicated in a spectacular triumph of medicine and public health. Part autobiography, part mystery, the story is told by a man who was one of the architects of a radical vaccination scheme that became a key strategy in ending the horrible disease when it was finally contained in India. In House on Fire, William H. Foege describes his own experiences in public health and details the remarkable program that involved people from countries around the world in pursuit of a single objective—eliminating smallpox forever. Rich with the details of everyday life, as well as a few adventures, House on Fire gives an intimate sense of what it is like to work on the ground in some of the world’s most impoverished countries—and tells what it is like to contribute to programs that really do change the world.
Price: $24.95
Pages: 240
Publisher: University of California Press
Imprint: University of California Press
Series: California/Milbank Books on Health and the Public
Publication Date:
06 June 2011
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9780520274471
Format: Paperback
“[Foege] bounces the reader along with him in his jeep, on motorbikes over rugged terrain and on bustling trains. . . . [And] shows what can be accomplished when governments and thousands of health workers focus on a single objective. “
“Dr. Foege’s book . . . remind[s] us how fragile life looks.”
“[Foege] writes a mixture of memoir, dry public health guide and riveting tale of an all-consuming mission.”
“House on Fire is a reminder of the importance of preventive medicine and will lead readers to an appreciation of all of the lives that would have otherwise been lost if the challenge to prevent smallpox had not been met.”
“Demonstrate[s] the enormous benefit that can accrue to mankind when a determined and ambitious band of individuals come together. . . . “[An] extraordinary story.”
"Part autobiography, part mystery, the story is told by a man who was one of the architects of a radical vaccination scheme that became a key strategy in ending the horrible disease when it was finally contained in India. . . . Foege describes his own experiences in public health and details the remarkable program that involved people from countries around the world in pursuit of a single objective—eliminating smallpox forever."
“A readable and thorough account by a key player in this outstanding victory for public health.”
“A fascinating human interest account that is expertly merged with scientific facts. . . . House on Fire is an inspiring story that portrays the remarkable efforts of a courageous physician and public health leader.”
“A fascinating account”
“A great, quick, and intensely personal read about the inside story of Foege's revolutionary idea and powerful actions. . . . Foege was wise before his time.”
William H. Foege is Emeritus Presidential Distinguished Professor of International Health, Emory University, and a Gates Fellow. Before becoming director of the CDC, he was chief of its Smallpox Eradication Program. Foege is the author of Global Health Leadership and Management.
List of Illustrations
Foreword by Carmen Hooker Odom and Samuel L. Milbank
Foreword by David J. Sencer
Preface
Part One. Africa: Identifying the Key Strategy
1. A Loathsome Disease
2. A Succession of Mentors
3. Practicing Public Health in Nigeria
4. Fire Line around a Virus
5. Extinguishing Smallpox in a Time of War
Part Two. India: Meeting the Challenge of Eradication
6. Under the Rule of Variola
7. Unwarranted Optimism
8. A Gorgeous Coalition
9. Rising Numbers, Refining Strategy
10. Water on a Burning House
11. Smallpox Zero
Conclusion
Postscript
Appendix: A Plan in the Event of Smallpox Bioterrorism
Notes
Glossary
Index
Foreword by Carmen Hooker Odom and Samuel L. Milbank
Foreword by David J. Sencer
Preface
Part One. Africa: Identifying the Key Strategy
1. A Loathsome Disease
2. A Succession of Mentors
3. Practicing Public Health in Nigeria
4. Fire Line around a Virus
5. Extinguishing Smallpox in a Time of War
Part Two. India: Meeting the Challenge of Eradication
6. Under the Rule of Variola
7. Unwarranted Optimism
8. A Gorgeous Coalition
9. Rising Numbers, Refining Strategy
10. Water on a Burning House
11. Smallpox Zero
Conclusion
Postscript
Appendix: A Plan in the Event of Smallpox Bioterrorism
Notes
Glossary
Index