Canada announces new support for global polio eradication efforts
News release
September 20, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The world is on the verge of eradicating polio, but humanitarian crises, overstretched health systems and the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have created new challenges. Canada has played a leading role in the global health response to polio, and we are stepping up once again.
Today, at the Rotary International conference held in Toronto, Ontario, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $151 million in funding as the next step in Canada’s support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
With this Canadian investment, GPEI and partners like UNICEF and the World Health Organization will deliver and expand quality, accessible polio immunization and health services around the world. This includes increased access to polio immunization for the most vulnerable populations, including women and girls, and in conflict-affected regions where there is little or no access to essential health services.
Efforts will focus on stopping the transmission of all forms of poliovirus by vaccinating more than 370 million children annually against polio, preventing 600,000 children annually from suffering from paralysis and death; improving vaccine uptake and communications activities to support polio vaccination; continuing disease surveillance and containment activities; and strengthening health systems.
The funding announced today will make a significant and meaningful difference in polio eradication efforts and in protecting those who are most affected. It will mean more children can live polio-free lives with good health. And it will take us one step closer to ending polio forever.
Quotes
“This new commitment brings Canada’s historical contribution to eradicating polio to over $1 billion. This funding will support UNICEF and the WHO’s efforts to eliminate polio worldwide, helping to ensure that 370 million children are vaccinated annually against polio. Together, we will end polio, and build a healthier future for children everywhere.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that affects children under 5 and can result in severe paralysis and death. Since the launch of the GPEI in 1988, more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio. Although polio cases have decreased by 99% worldwide, the disease has not yet been eradicated.
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In August 2024, when Gaza had its first cases after being polio-free for 25 years, GPEI partners mobilized quickly to administer the first round of vaccines to more than 560,000 children across the region to contain the spread of the disease.
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Canada has been a long-standing donor to global polio eradication efforts. Today’s announcement brings Canada’s historical contribution to over $1 billion since 2000.
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Rotary International has been engaged in polio immunization activities since the late 1970s, providing over $2.8 billion in support to eradication efforts. The organization is also a founding member of the GPEI.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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