Beyond Edward Jenner, the eradication of smallpox relied on the contributions of numerous dedicated physicians and health leaders. Donald A. Henderson (1928–2016), as the director of the WHO's Global Smallpox Eradication Programme, provided the overarching strategic leadership, coordinating efforts across continents and navigating political and logistical challenges. Equally critical was Dr. William Foege (b. 1936), who, while combating an outbreak in Nigeria, developed and proved the effectiveness of the "ring vaccination" strategy. This method—surveilling for cases and then vaccinating all their contacts—proved more efficient than mass vaccination and became the campaign's cornerstone. On the front lines, countless local doctors and health workers, such as Dr. M. I. D. Sharma in India, implemented these strategies, often working in remote and difficult conditions to track cases and build public trust. A uniquely poignant contribution came from Ali Maow Maalin, a Somali hospital cook who, in 1977, became the last person to contract naturally occurring smallpox. After recovering, he dedicated his life to public health, becoming a key vaccinator in the final push to eradicate polio in Somalia. Together, these individuals highlight that eradication required not just a scientific breakthrough but also strategic innovation, relentless logistics, and deep community connection.