Canada boosts global commitment to end polio

By Dan Nixon
Rotary International News -- 22 September 2008

Past RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson (left) and International PolioPlus Committee Chair Robert S. Scott join Beverley J. Oda, Canada’s minister of international cooperation, in Ottawa, where Oda announced Canada’s C$30 million contribution to help end polio in sub-Saharan Africa. Photo courtesy Canadian International Development Agency

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The Canadian government has announced it is contributing C$30 million (US$28 million) toward eradicating polio in sub-Saharan Africa.

The funding follows C$60 million (US$56 million) earmarked in June to help end the disease in Afghanistan.

"Canada's contribution will ensure that millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan are protected against polio," said Beverley J. Oda, minister of international cooperation, on 4 September. "Our innovative partnership with Rotary International, along with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, will help ensure that we move toward destroying this crippling disease."

Canada's latest contribution will help launch national immunization campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa, and at least C$15 million (US$13.9 million) will support disease surveillance and training for medical professionals in Nigeria. The funding comes at a critical time for Nigeria, according to WHO. A polio outbreak in the northern part of the country is putting the sub-Saharan region at risk, and stepped-up immunization activities are essential to prevent the disease from spreading.

In Afghanistan, Canada's support is helping to immunize seven million children under age five against polio. The effort includes mapping nomadic migration routes and establishing vaccination points at major border crossings to synchronize immunization schedules between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

So far, Canada has contributed almost C$331 million (US$308 million) to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, making it one of the top five government donors.

"Canada has led the way in the fight to eradicate polio from the face of the world," said Past RI President Wilfrid Wilkinson. "As chair of Rotary's polio eradication advocacy for Canada, I congratulate the government for its generosity, which is strategically directed to Nigeria and Afghanistan, two of the four remaining polio-endemic countries in the world."

10 Comments:

At 1:57PM on 30 September 2008, Rtn. Dr. S.K.Sablok wrote: Eradication of Polio from the face of Globe is still a great concern. Now "APNI" Countries are left .i.e. Afghanistan, Pakistan Nigeria and India. I belong to India. "APNI" in Hindi means "Ours". Everyone is looking at "APNI "Countries and are ready to help like the Canadian Government. May we get relief from this crippling disease and work for the rehabilitation of those already suffered. Rtn. Dr. Suresh Kumar Sablok Member Rotary Club of Nahan Sirmour Hills,District 3080. India.

At 1:56PM on 30 September 2008, Rtn Paul Agbroko, D9140, Nigeria wrote: There can be no better way to show that you care than to show concern over problems of others. By this philantropic gesture, Canada has gone to confirm the simple truth we as Rotarians must acknowledge - that humanity all over is at risk even if polio eradcation remains intractible in only one tiny community such as we may have in Nigeria, or for that matter, in Afghanistan. I just hope this lesson by Canada sinks in to all others elsewhere. And I should go on to add that I expect the Trustee Chair, Jon Maijiyagbe (himself a Nigerian) to amplify this exceptional altruism by Canada as an irreducible minimum for others to follow.

At 1:55PM on 30 September 2008, Gaston KABA wrote: Pendleton, Oregon, 29 September 2008 I am currently traveling in Eastern Oregon and Southern Washington states following and invitation extended to me by District 5100 of Rotary International to attend their 2008 – 2008 Partners in Community Service Confrence. I have just read about the Canadian Government's contribution to our efforts of Polio eradicatio, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa that is in dire need of kicking that disease once for all out Africa that accounts for 747 cases as of 24 September 2008. As the National chairman of the PolioPLus Committee in Niger, I salute the Canadian government I hope that my brothers in and sisters in Nigeria and all the Rotarians in Nigeria will soon overcome that crippling disease. Yes, Niger and Nigeria can do it and I trust we'll continue our joint efforts for the sake of our children. Yes, let's do it! Gaston Kaba

At 11:45AM on 29 September 2008, Hans and Lolita Wiesner wrote: Wow. I think we're finally going to beat this thing thaniks to two prominent Canadians who doubtlessly spearheaded this donation.

At 11:48AM on 29 September 2008, Ashok R Mirchandani wrote: Thanks to the Canadian Government for this important contribution towards our fight to end Polio. Sincere thanks to the Rotarians, who worked so hard to make this possible. Their engagement and commitment will possibly pave way for others to use their own powers of advocacy with their own governments so that we can END POLIO NOW!

At 11:48AM on 29 September 2008, Subhash Saraf wrote: Toward Polio Eradication, Canadian Government has dedicated funding to Sub-Saharan Africa and Afganistan; Congratulations! It would be great, some other Capable Country's Government dedicates funding to eradicate Polio from the remaining countries like India and Pakistan. This will fill in the gap for good.

At 8:58AM on 25 September 2008, RTN. SYED AZMATULLAH RC: CHENNAI PHOENIX RD: 3230 wrote: Canada's contribution of C$30million to eradicate polio in sub Saharan Africa following funding of C$60 million to help end the disease in Afghanistan, confirms continued approval of Rotary's Polio Plus by Governments. More countries particularly Western, may follow suit.

At 8:59AM on 25 September 2008, bala wrote: Canadians always led by example, that when Rotary needs

At 8:59AM on 24 September 2008, sam movva wrote: My congratulations to PRIP Wilf for the success of his advocacy effort with Canadian Government.

At 5:04PM on 23 September 2008, Cliff Afemari wrote: This contribution by the canadian is clearly a demonstration of their commitment to eradicate polio. These kinds of donations should have been expected from countries that still have cases of polio. This is to congratulate the government of Canada for their kind generosity which will help fight polio in the polio-endemic countries including my country NIGERIA.

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