Jonas Salk is known for developing the polio vaccine. In the 1950s, he created the first effective vaccine to prevent poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. Salk’s approach involved using killed virus particles to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease. The vaccine underwent widespread testing and was proven safe and effective. Launched in 1955, this breakthrough significantly reduced polio incidence, contributing to the eventual near-eradication of the disease in many parts of the world. Salk's work has had a lasting impact on public health, saving countless lives and improving community well-being.