In 1955, Dr Jonas Salk, the American virologist and scientist, announced that his polio vaccine was successful, bringing relief to a world terrified by the disease.
Salk's miracle
Polio haunted thousands worldwide in the early 20th century, leaving children paralysed for life. Outbreaks spread fear, summer pools were shut down, and parents lived in constant dread.
In the two years before the vaccine was widely available, the average number of polio cases in the US was more than 45,000. By 1962, that number had dropped to 910. Salk was hailed as a miracle worker.
He gave up billions
Salk's choice of not patenting his vaccine meant it could be mass-produced quickly, saving millions of children. Experts later estimated he gave up billions in potential royalties.
When asked who would patent the vaccine in a famous 1955 interview by Edward Murrow, Salk’s response became legendary: “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”
Salk’s answer reflected his belief that certain discoveries must belong to humanity, not private profit. By refusing commercial ownership and thus allowing access to the vaccine worldwide, Salk set a remarkable precedent.
Away from fame
In spite of Salk’s groundbreaking discovery, he never received membership in the National Academy of Sciences. Despite widespread public admiration, he preferred to stay away from fame.
March of Dimes
In 1962, Salk established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California with support from the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, popularly known as the March of Dimes.
In later years, he pursued research on multiple sclerosis, cancer, and AIDS, focusing especially on creating a killed-virus vaccine to prevent AIDS in HIV-infected individuals.
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