Progress is being made in the fight against polio and now is the time to make the final push to eradicate this deadly disease. This is the message Prime Minister Julia Gillard gave when addressing leaders of polio-affected countries and major international donors at an event in New York earlier today.
The event, Our Commitment to the Next Generation: The Legacy of a Polio-Free World, was hosted by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Also in attendance was Bill Gates, head of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a vocal advocate in the fight against polio.
The event celebrated the impressive achievements India has made in eliminating polio. Earlier this year, India celebrated one year without a new polio case and was removed from the World Health Organization's list of polio-endemic countries. Since 1988 the number of polio cases worldwide has decreased by 99 per cent and the disease remains endemic in only three countries–Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
However, significant challenges remain in achieving global eradication and Prime Minister Gillard encouraged renewed efforts to finish the job, including through strengthening national immunisation programs and support for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Australia is a major supporter of eradication efforts, contributing $50 million over four years to GPEI to help purchase vaccines, monitor outbreak, and respond when and where needed.
Prime Minister Gillard said Australia remains committed to helping achieve worldwide eradication and emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between affected countries, donors and non-government organisations, including the Gates Foundation, Rotary International and the Global Poverty Project.