Which public health development in the 20th century significantly contributed to the control of infectious diseases such as polio and smallpox?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, widespread vaccination programs. Vaccination programs played a significant role in controlling infectious diseases like polio and smallpox by creating herd immunity, reducing transmission, and preventing outbreaks. Antibiotic resistance research (A) focuses on bacteria, not viruses like polio and smallpox. Immunization against tuberculosis (C) targets a specific disease and not the broad impact of vaccines. Antiviral treatments (D) are effective for treating viral infections but do not prevent the spread of diseases on a population level like vaccination programs do.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Improvement of water and sewage systems. In the 1800s, the understanding of cholera transmission through contaminated water was gaining recognition. Improving water and sewage systems helped prevent the spread of cholera by providing clean water and proper sanitation. The establishment of the CDC (A) occurred much later in the 20th century and focuses on disease control and prevention in general. The use of antibiotics for cholera treatment (C) is not effective against cholera as it is caused by a bacterium that produces a toxin. The development of the cholera vaccine (D) also came later and is not a historical measure from the 1800s.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The elimination of polio. In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to eliminate polio worldwide. This initiative set a major public health goal to eradicate polio, not just control it. Polio eradication has been a key focus of WHO's efforts, with significant progress made since then. A: The eradication of tuberculosis - While tuberculosis is a major public health concern, the specific goal established by WHO in 1988 was the elimination of polio, not tuberculosis. C: The global elimination of malaria - Malaria is another significant public health issue, but the WHO's major goal in 1988 was focused on polio eradication, not malaria elimination. D: The promotion of universal healthcare - While universal healthcare is an important public health goal, it was not the specific goal established by WHO in 1988. The focus at that time was on the eradication of polio

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The introduction of prenatal care programs. Prenatal care programs provide essential healthcare services to pregnant women, ensuring early detection and management of potential complications, leading to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. This achievement directly addresses the root causes of maternal and infant mortality by promoting regular check-ups, monitoring fetal development, and providing education on healthy practices during pregnancy. In contrast, options B, C, and D focus on different aspects of healthcare but do not directly address the specific needs of pregnant women and infants, making them less likely to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Edward Jenner is credited with developing the first successful smallpox vaccine. In 1796, he introduced the concept of vaccination using cowpox virus to provide immunity against smallpox. This breakthrough laid the foundation for modern immunization practices. Louis Pasteur is known for his work on germ theory and vaccines for rabies and anthrax. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. Ignaz Semmelweis promoted handwashing to reduce infections in healthcare settings. Only Jenner's work directly relates to smallpox vaccination, making choice A the correct answer.