On December 9, 2024, the Canary Islands will mark the 221st anniversary of a pivotal moment in global health history: the arrival of the corvette María Pita to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This ship carried the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition, better known as the Balmis expedition, a groundbreaking endeavor that aimed to eradicate smallpox, a devastating disease that had plagued humanity for centuries.
The Balmis expedition, which set sail from La Coruña on November 30, 1803, was the first large-scale medical expedition in history. Led by the visionary Dr. Francisco Javier Balmis Berenguer, the expedition’s mission was to bring the smallpox vaccine to Spain’s overseas territories in America and the Philippines.
Tenerife served as the expedition’s first stop, where a complete vaccination program was immediately launched. Hundreds of children on the island, and many more from neighboring islands who traveled to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, received the life-saving vaccine. This marked the beginning of a remarkable chain reaction that would ultimately save countless lives.
After completing its initial mission in Tenerife, the expedition continued its journey, leaving on January 6, 1804, to bring the vaccine to those in need across the globe.
A Legacy of Hope: The balmis Expedition and Operation Balmis
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The Balmis expedition’s legacy resonates even today. In 2020, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish armed Forces launched Operation balmis, a nationwide effort to combat the virus. this operation,named in honor of Dr. Balmis, highlighted the enduring importance of his pioneering work and the crucial role of the armed forces in times of public health crises.
“The Spanish army wanted to name this military operation after Balmis to fight the coronavirus during the time of confinement of the last COVID-19 pandemic, seeking a parallel with the feat of the 19th-century Spanish doctor, Francisco Javier Balmis Berenguer, who, with his team of health collaborators and the 22 ‘vaccine’ children, from 1803 to 1810, led the first major international health expedition in history to combat smallpox, a disease that was causing a pandemic in past centuries, with millions of deaths on diffrent continents,”
A Remarkable Innovation: Transporting the Vaccine
in an era without modern refrigeration or pharmaceutical companies, transporting the smallpox vaccine posed a meaningful challenge. Dr. Balmis devised an ingenious solution: a “human chain” of vaccinations. Twenty-two children, known as the ”vaccine children,” where inoculated, and the process was repeated every ten days to ensure the vaccine remained viable. This remarkable method allowed the expedition to successfully deliver the vaccine across vast distances.
Remembering the Balmis Expedition
To commemorate the 221st anniversary of the Balmis expedition’s arrival in Tenerife, a special event will be held on December 12, 2024, at the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Tenerife in La Laguna. The event will feature two presentations: one by Luis Ortigosa, the author of this article, and another by Captain Juan Ozores Massó, captain of the Naval History and Culture Institute of Madrid, who will discuss the logistical aspects of the expedition. A commemorative plaque will also be unveiled, honoring the Balmis expedition and recognizing the vital role of the armed forces in public health emergencies.
The Balmis expedition stands as a testament to human ingenuity, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of global health. Its legacy continues to inspire us today as we face new challenges in the fight against infectious diseases.
Throughout history, medical missions have played a crucial role in responding to global health crises, from pandemics to natural disasters. Recent examples include their collaborative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and their swift action in aiding communities affected by the devastating floods caused by Storm DANA in Valencia just a few weeks ago.
Highlighting the historical significance of such missions, a special event will showcase the painting “Disembarkation of the Balmis Expedition in Tenerife (1803)” by renowned Genoese painter Davide Battaglia. Based in Tenerife for several years,Battaglia’s masterpiece commemorates the arrival of the Balmis Expedition in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The painting vividly captures the jubilant reception given to the 22 children carrying the smallpox vaccine, Dr. Balmis, and his companions by the General Commander of the canary Islands, Marquis of Casa Cagigal, civil and religious authorities, and a large crowd of Tenerife residents. They gathered at the Plaza de la Pila (now Plaza de la candelaria) to honor the expedition with the highest accolades.
The End of Smallpox
The Balmis Expedition, launched in 1803, marked the beginning of a global fight against smallpox. With limited resources but immense courage, inventiveness, and philanthropy, the expedition laid the groundwork for the eventual eradication of this deadly disease. Nearly two centuries later, on November 10, 1979, the World Health Association declared smallpox eradicated worldwide following a comprehensive vaccination campaign that reached every corner of the globe. Smallpox remains the first and only human infectious disease to be entirely eliminated thanks to the tireless efforts of countless individuals who dedicated themselves to global vaccination.
“The María Pita corvette’s first stop in the Canary Islands two centuries ago, carrying its precious human cargo of 22 children, healthcare workers, and crew, marked a pivotal moment in history. Their journey through Spanish overseas territories in america and the Philippines initiated the mass vaccination against smallpox, setting in motion the chain of events that ultimately led to the disease’s demise,” said Dr. Luis Ortigosa, a leading expert in vaccinology and member of the Canary Islands Vaccine Technical Group.
*By Luis Ortigosa, expert doctor in Vaccinology and member of the Canary Islands Vaccine Technical Group*
## Honoring a Legacy: World Today News Interviews Luis Ortigosa on the 221st Anniversary of the Balmis Expedition
**World Today News:** The Balmis expedition, the first large-scale medical expedition in history, marks a major milestone in global health. As we approach the 221st anniversary of its arrival in Tenerife, we’re joined by Luis Ortigosa, author of a recently published article on this remarkable endeavor. Mr. Ortigosa,thank you for joining us.
**Luis Ortigosa:** Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to discuss this pivotal moment in history.
**World Today News:** Can you tell our readers about the Balmis expedition and its importance?
**Luis Ortigosa:** The Balmis expedition, led by the visionary Dr. Francisco Javier Balmis Berenguer, set sail from La Coruña on November 30, 1803, with the ambitious goal of eradicating smallpox. This devastating disease had plagued humanity for centuries, and Spain, under King Charles IV, recognized the urgent need for a global solution.
Tenerife was the Balmis expedition’s first stop, where a full-scale vaccination programme was immediately launched. Hundreds of children on the island,
and many more from neighboring islands,received the life-saving vaccine. This marked the beginning of a remarkable chain reaction that would ultimately save countless lives across the globe.
**World Today News:** The expedition’s journey was lengthy and fraught with challenges. How did the team ensure the vaccine remained viable without modern refrigeration or transportation?
**Luis Ortigosa:** Dr. Balmis devised a truly ingenious solution – a “human chain” of vaccinations. Twenty-two children, known as the “vaccine children,” were inoculated on the ship. Every ten days, the vaccine would be passed from child to child, ensuring its survival throughout the journey. This remarkable method, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, allowed the expedition to deliver the vaccine across vast distances.
**World Today News:** How has the legacy of the Balmis expedition endured throughout history?
**Luis Ortigosa:** The impact of the Balmis expedition extends far beyond its immediate success in combating smallpox.
In 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish armed forces launched “Operation Balmis,” a nationwide effort to combat the virus. Naming this operation after Dr. Balmis highlighted the enduring importance of his pioneering work and the crucial role of the armed forces in times of public health crises.
**world Today News:** You will be giving a presentation on the Balmis expedition on December 12th in Tenerife. Can you tell us more about this event?
**Luis Ortigosa:**
On December 12th, a special event will be held at the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Tenerife in La Laguna.
I will be joined by Captain Juan Ozores Massó,Captain of the Naval History and Culture Institute of Madrid,who will discuss the logistical aspects of the expedition. We will also be unveiling a commemorative plaque honoring the Balmis expedition, and paying tribute to the vital role of the armed forces in public health emergencies.
**World Today News:** It’s incredible to see how the legacy of the Balmis expedition continues to inspire us in addressing current health challenges. What lessons can we learn from this past undertaking, especially considering recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating floods caused by Storm DANA in Valencia?
**Luis Ortigosa:** The
Balmis expedition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of global cooperation, scientific ingenuity, and unwavering dedication in overcoming healthcare challenges. It emphasizes the crucial role of medical missions, not only in responding to pandemics, but also in providing aid and support to communities affected by natural disasters.
Just as the Balmis expedition brought hope and healing to communities worldwide, today’s medical missions continue this vital work, demonstrating the enduring power of human compassion and collaboration in the face of adversity.
