Ali Maow Maalin

The last natural case of smallpox survivor who became vital in eradicating the disease

Ali Maow Maalin (1954–2013), a Somali hospital cook, made medical history as the last person to contract naturally occurring smallpox in 1977. His survival and cooperation became crucial in WHO's eradication program.

When smallpox resurfaced in Merka, Maalin risked his life to:

• Identify 91 potentially exposed individuals
• Lead vaccinators through conflict zones
• Convince skeptical communities to accept vaccination

His work helped contain what could have been a global resurgence. Remarkably, Maalin later became a polio eradication champion, using his smallpox experience to promote vaccines. As he told The Lancet: I tell parents their children should not suffer like I did.

Maalin's legacy includes:

• Proving ring vaccination strategies effective
• Establishing trust-based public health models
• Inspiring global disease eradication efforts