Jan 01 1918As World War I ends, war relief efforts are substantial. The Foundation spends more than $22 million, sending food supplies to Belgium, Poland, Serbia, Armenia and other countries, even chartering its own ships. Laments President George E. Vincent, “I suppose we had to do it, and I suppose it was worthwhile, but think of the creative job we could have done with that money in a world of reason and sanity!”
Jan 01 1917Peking Union Medical College, established by the Foundation (above), opens its doors in temporary quarters to pre-medical students. According to adviser Simon Flexner, it was to be “the Johns Hopkins of China.”
Jan 01 1917John D. Rockefeller Jr. becomes chair of the board of trustees and serves until 1940. George E. Vincent becomes president of the Foundation and serves until 1929.
Jan 01 1916Commissions are sent to South America to learn about the status of health infrastructure battling yellow fever, as well as to investigate the medical education and public health agencies in Brazil.
Jan 01 1916Work continues on the development of an anti-tetanus serum. Additionally, meningitis and anti-dysentery serums are manufactured and supplied to the British, French, and Italian governments.
Jan 01 1916$1,000,000 is appropriated for relief to Poland and Balkan countries to address a crisis of the food supply.
Jan 01 1916The Foundation continues its War Relief efforts with support to Belgian scholar refugees, as well as by funding the relocation and care of 500 Belgian refugee children.
Jan 01 1916The China Medical Board formally votes to establish an additional medical school in Shanghai through funds designated by The Rockefeller Foundation.
Jan 01 1915Malaria, like hookworm, attracts Foundation interest. Foundation Secretary Greene calls malaria “probably the heaviest handicap on the welfare and economic efficiency of the human race.” Beginning with pilot projects in Arkansas and Mississippi, the Foundation establishes research centers in 25 locations in Latin America, Europe, the Near East and Asia.
Jan 01 1915The Foundation launches its most concentrated public health effort, aimed at yellow fever. Writes President Raymond B. Fosdick, “On no disease in the long list of human afflictions did the Rockefeller Foundation put greater emphasis or a larger proportion of time and financial support than on yellow fever.” In this 30-year effort, the Foundation sends scientists throughout Africa and Latin America to conduct research and test new approaches. Six die in the effort.
