Dr Viktor Zhdanov

The man whose work saved and continues to save millions all over the world

Zhdanov verifying a sample in his lab
Dr. Viktor Zhdanov busy at work in his lab
Here is a timeline to Dr.Zhdanov's Life

1914: Viktor Zhdanov is born on October 17 in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire.

1936: Zhdanov graduates from the First Leningrad Medical Institute and begins his virology career.

1941-45: Zhdanov serves as a military doctor on the Eastern Front during World War II.

1945: Zhdanov joins VECTOR, focusing on viral diseases research.

1954: Zhdanov contributes to the development of the inactivated polio vaccine.

1958: Zhdanov plays a crucial role in the Soviet Union's successful smallpox eradication campaign.

1960: Zhdanov becomes the head of VECTOR, continuing groundbreaking virology research.

1967: Zhdanov leads the successful elimination of smallpox in the Soviet Union.

1970: Zhdanov is elected a corresponding member of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

1979: Zhdanov collaborates with WHO in the global smallpox eradication initiative.

1980: WHO declares smallpox eradicated globally, crediting Zhdanov's instrumental contributions.

1985: Zhdanov receives the WHO's Health for All Gold Medal for his global health contributions.

1988: Zhdanov receives the State Prize of the USSR for outstanding virology contributions.

1989: Viktor Zhdanov passes away on January 31, leaving a lasting legacy in virology.