Louis Pasteur was born in France on Dec 27, 1822. He was a young polymath when he embarked on a path of discovery with profound societal relevance. By the age of 40 years, he was a national hero and an international authority on microbiology, vaccines, and immunology. His germ theory of disease laid the foundation for hygiene and sanitation within public and global health. He developed the first vaccine against human rabies in 1885. Along with other great scientists of his time, Pasteur shaped scientific reasoning and communication for the better, creating a legacy that catalyzed progress in human health that has been sustained for the past 150 years. Yet infectious diseases continue to cause millions of unnecessary deaths. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, global burden of disease (GBD) data indicated that infections were involved in more than 20% of deaths globally. A GBD study indicates that 13.6% of deaths globally are associated with just 33 bacterial pathogens.
According to Pasteur, “In our century, science is the soul of the prosperity of nations and the living source of progress. Undoubtedly, the tiring daily discussions of politics seem to be our guide—empty appearances! — what really leads us forward are a few scientific discoveries and their applications.” These words of Pasteur’s could not be more poignant in a 21st century shaping up to be dominated by polarizing and health-harming politics. Pasteur understood that science is fundamental for human health, and his values—a scientific presence and engagement in public health crises—belong at the heart of efforts against infectious diseases.
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