[Achievements and failure of WHO during realization of the control programmes of the communicable diseases during twentieth century].

Eradication of smallpox in 1977 in the world was the greatest achievement of the health status of the world population. It is also greatest cost benefit achievement not only in the health control programmes, but also in general economy. This achievement was possible from from two main reasons: (a) because vertical, well organized programmes was implemented and (b) during realization of the program change of strategy was introduced. That change allowed to speed up the efficacy of the epidemiological results (active epidemiological methodology was implemented). The essential contribution of Prof. dr J. Kostrzewski in the eradication programme was leadership of WHO International Commissions in the years 1977-1979 to evaluate eradications status of smallpox in 8 Asian and African countries. This contribution allowed to resume results of eradication of smallpox in the world in December 1979. Failures were observed during realization of control programme of 5 infectious diseases having efficient vaccines and control programme of malaria. It is possible to accept supposition that main reason why it happenes was not sufficient effort to apply (use) vertical initiatives. Prof. J. Kostrzewski was essentially involved during preparation of those programmes to eliminate those 5 communicable diseases buy his health status and the age after 1990 limited his possibility to be engaged directly in the realization to those programmes.