Polio eradication campaign gets 2 6 bn boost

That's exciting news!

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has received a significant boost of $2.6 billion to support the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. This funding will help to accelerate the campaign to eliminate the disease, which has already seen significant progress in recent years.

The GPEI is a public-private partnership led by the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other organizations. The initiative aims to eradicate polio by 2026, and this new funding will be crucial in achieving that goal.

The $2.6 billion boost will be used to support a range of activities, including:

1. Vaccination campaigns: The funding will support the distribution of polio vaccines to millions of children in high-risk areas, particularly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
2. Surveillance and monitoring: The funds will also be used to strengthen surveillance and monitoring systems to detect and respond to any remaining polio cases.
3. Risk assessment and mitigation: The initiative will use the funding to assess and mitigate risks associated with polio transmission, such as identifying and addressing gaps in vaccination coverage.
4. Community engagement: The funding will also support community engagement and social mobilization efforts to promote polio vaccination and encourage community participation in the eradication effort.

The GPEI has made significant progress in recent years, with the number of polio cases declining by over 99% since 1988. However, the disease still poses a significant threat in some parts of the world, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where conflict and insecurity have hindered vaccination efforts.

The $2.6 billion boost is a significant step forward in the fight against polio, and it will help to accelerate the campaign to eradicate the disease. With continued support and funding, we can make significant progress towards a polio-free world.