On 27 November, Barry Rassin, Rotary International President, presented the Polio Eradication Champion Award to UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, for her exemplary leadership role in driving the cause of eradicating polio. In 2017, the UK pledged US$ 130 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) for 2017-2019. So far, the country’s total financial contribution is US$ 1.6 billion, the second highest amount from a G7 donor. The UK has also been a strong advocate of the cause.
The Polio Eradication Champion Award was established in 1996 to honour heads of state, leaders of health agencies, and other inspiring individuals who have played an instrumental role in ending polio. Theresa May joins an illustrious list of past award winners including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
“Britain’s leadership in making multiyear commitments in support of global polio eradication has been an example for other countries to follow,” said Barry Rassin at the occasion.
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