The Balmis Expedition: The world’s first international healthcare mission

Brian's Spain Domain

Oct 15 2023 | 00:20:22

00:00 / 00:20:22

Show Notes

Back in 1803, Spain organized a mission to inoculate the inhabitants of its vast empire from the deadly disease smallpox. It was officially known as the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition, or simply the Balmis Expedition, after the doctor who led the medical team. An ambitious project, it employed children to “carry” the vaccine during the […]

Other Episodes

Episode 0

October 30, 2023 • 00:19:59

The Faces of Belmez: a Spanish ghost story

Back in 1971, faces began to appear on the kitchen floor of Maria Gomez Camara’s home. Their appearance quickly turned the rural town of...

Episode 0

March 28, 2022 • 00:10:27

Prince Juan and his Stunning Tomb

Juan of Asturias, only son of Isabella and Ferdinand, is an obscure figure in Spanish history who did little more to influence the course...

Episode

March 06, 2026 • 00:15:06

Women in Spanish History: Isabel Zendal

Isabel Zendal was a Spanish nurse who helped lead the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition (1803–1806). She cared for orphaned children who carried the smallpox...