The financial support will play a critical role in supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and through the U.S. Agency for International Development. The funds will support ongoing efforts to stop wild poliovirus transmission in the remaining polio endemic countries, and help to reach more than 430 million children who remain at risk for contracting polio in a number of countries, primarily in Africa and Asia. 2015 saw significant progress in polio eradication with Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa passing a year without any new wild polio cases. World Health Organization removed Nigeria from the list of endemic countries. Only Pakistan and Afghanistan have confirmed cases of wild polio this year (66 as of December 18th) and we have seen a 79 percent reduction in cases from the same period of time last year.
“We’re delighted by the news of the US’s continued financial commitment to a polio free world at this critical time when we are so close to the finish line,” says Rotary Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force for the United States Chair Jim Lacy. “Congress’ support of polio eradication is a fantastic example of bi-partisan collaboration on an issue of shared concern with concrete results. Members of Rotary clubs throughout the US and globally deeply appreciate the longstanding leadership of the US Government and are proud of the progress achieved through this public-private partnership.” [Read more]
