1. The Discovery of Vaccination by Edward Jenner (1796)
In 1796, Edward Jenner changed the trajectory of medicine by developing the world’s first successful vaccine—against smallpox. By using material from cowpox lesions, Jenner demonstrated that immunity could be safely induced, paving the way for modern vaccination. This breakthrough not only led to the eventual eradication of smallpox but also laid the foundation for today’s vaccines against diseases like polio, measles, and COVID-19. As the World Health Organization notes, Jenner’s innovation remains a cornerstone of global health.
