Large vaccine trial shapes public-health practice

The constitution described health as physical, mental and social well-being, setting an ambitious goal.

The annual observance recalls the day the WHO Constitution came into force.

Investigators reported that the inactivated vaccine had protected participants in a large trial.

US authorities licensed the vaccine on the day the trial results were presented.

The announcement opened a new phase of polio immunization, requiring manufacturing and access.

The FDA approved Enovid for use as an oral contraceptive, expanding control over pregnancy.

The medicine made hormonal prevention of pregnancy available by prescription.

The development included trials among women in Puerto Rico and raises questions about consent and power.

The decision did not guarantee that every woman could obtain contraception or decide freely whether to use it.

Barnard led a large Groote Schuur Hospital team in the first human-to-human heart transplant.