In 1892, Waldemar Haffkine tested an early cholera vaccine on himself before using it in wider campaigns, particularly in British India. His pioneering work in vaccination was a crucial step in combating cholera outbreaks, which had devastating effects on public health. Haffkine's efforts laid the groundwork for modern vaccination practices and highlighted the importance of preventive medicine.

Haffkine's cholera vaccine tests in 1892 linked public health to colonial governance, shaping South Asian literature's engagement with empire. Poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz addressed themes of trust and risk, reflecting on the intersection of science and societal control.