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Black and white micrograph of hookworm. Speckles of cellular material across the image, with a few more distinct shapes.
A microscopic view of hookworm. (Photo: Vivien Rolfe)

The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission for the Eradication of Hookworm Disease is formed.

1909

EPD
SANI
RSCH
PHA
NPIC
A microscopic view of hookworm. (Photo: Vivien Rolfe)

Starting with a focus on the U.S. South, the Rockefeller family establishes a sanitary commission for eradicating hookworm. Their actions mirror the widespread practice of piloting research, health, economic, voting, and other social practices in the South while in the experimental phase before expanding these practices to the rest of the country and beyond.

After the Rockefeller Foundation is established in 1913, it will go on to build a global health empire, and will become known for a mix of benevolent capitalism and pharmaceutical profiteering.