He clarifies that polio remains endemic in only two countries, but circulates elsewhere
Oct 16 (Reuters) – The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said on Sunday it will pledge $1.2 billion to support efforts to end all forms of polio globally.
Polio is a highly infectious disease spread primarily by faecal contamination, which is used to kill and paralyze thousands of children each year. Although there is no known cure, three shots of the vaccine provide almost 100% immunity.
Governments and foundations aim to end polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where the virus remains endemic.
“The final steps to eradication are by far the hardest. But our foundation remains dedicated to a polio-free future, and we’re optimistic that we’ll see it soon,” said Bill Foundation CEO Mark Suzman & Melinda Gates. which is run by Microsoft Corp co-founder MSFT.O Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates.
Last month, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Peru are at very high risk of reintroducing polio. New York state is ramping up efforts to vaccinate residents after the virus was detected in sewage samples. Cases were also detected in London and Jerusalem.
In March, a senior World Health Organization official said the world was at a “dangerous moment” in the fight against diseases such as polio, following an outbreak in Malawi.
The announcement comes ahead of a key moment of engagement to be co-hosted by Germany and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) on 18 October. The Gates Foundation is part of the GPEI, an important project between governments and international organizations. The foundation has contributed nearly $5 billion to GPEI.
EXPLAINER-Why has polio been found in London, New York and Jerusalem, and how dangerous is it?
“Dangerous moment:” major effort begins to curb polio after Malawi case
PAHO says Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Peru at very high risk of polio as vaccination declines
New York to increase polio vaccines after virus found in sewage
(Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bangalore and Jennifer Rigby in London; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Frank Jack Daniel)
((ShivaniJayesh.Tanna@thomsonreuters.com;))
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