Viktor Mikhailovich Zhdanov (13 February 1914 – 14 July 1987) was a Ukrainian virologist who played a key role in the Smallpox Eradication Programme. Some people in the effective altruism community, including Gordon Irlam and William MacAskill, have argued that Zhdanov has done more good for humanity than any other individual in history.^[1][2]

In 2020, Zhdanov and William Foege were awarded the Future of Life Award.^[3]