Carlos Fretas

Uruguayan public health innovator who eradicated yellow fever in South America

Carlos Eduardo Fretas (1912-1971) was a medical pioneer who led the 1940s campaign that eliminated yellow fever from Uruguay. His WHO report details the vaccination strategy that immunized 98% of the population in 18 months. As director of the Pan American Sanitation Bureau (1955-1965), he coordinated cross-border health initiatives across 12 countries.

His 1958 book <《Tropical Disease Control》> introduced integrated vector management techniques still used today. The Carlos Fretas Foundation continues his work, operating mobile clinics in remote regions. Fretas' 1963 <《Public Health in the Americas》> remains a standard text in epidemiology studies.