The role played by doctors, the government and the who in the implementation of poliomyelitis, measles and rubella serological surveys in spain (1958-1978)

Abstract

Serological surveys, which acquired considerable importance in the mid twentieth century, are still a key tool to address infectious diseases. This article, using archival and printed sources from the WHO and the medical and general press, analyses the role of doctors and scientists, government, and the WHO in the implementation of serological surveys to evaluate the situation of poliomyelitis, measles and rubella in Spain and to set up a plan of action against them. The paper shows the role of Florencio Pérez Gallardo and his group at the National School of Health, favoured by the Franco regime to receive the support of WHO collaborative programmes after Spain joined in 1951, and the impact of these programmes on the scientific and professional transformation of the virological nucleus of Madrid, together with the establishment of new institutions enabling the modernisation of virology, in parallel with the development and execution of the serological surveys. The study also reveals the parallel development of Catalan scientific groups, who enjoyed international recognition and boosted the fight against the diseases studied, as well as the key role of the circulation of WHO experts and Spanish researchers in the spreading of scientific knowledge and practices.