October 24, 2011
On World Polio Day, we can look back with pride upon the progress the world has made in the global effort to eradicate polio.
In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched, polio was endemic in more than 125 countries on five continents, and paralyzed over 1,000 children each day. Since then, at least two billion children have been immunized against the disease, while the number of worldwide cases has declined by more than 99 percent.
While the world has made great strides to eradicate polio, it still remains a threat in the developing world, particularly in India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where Canada's Signature project to eradicate polio has made great progress.
Canada and CIDA have proudly contributed to global efforts to eliminate polio, particularly where it threatens the health of the most vulnerable. Our support for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative builds on CIDA's ongoing commitment to improve the health of mothers, newborns and children.
As we continue our work, we must acknowledge and thank those who have made it their purpose to lead the global effort. Rotary International, the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio, has played a particularly crucial role, making its PolioPlus eradication program the most ambitious in the organization's history.
Most importantly, on World Polio Day, we must remember those for whom the disease continues to pose a threat, and pledge to do all that we can to keep protecting them.
Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
