Health leaders reaffirm commitment to ending polio

Rotary International News -- 18 June 2008

Citing the dramatic decrease in type-1 polio cases in India as an indication that polio can be eradicated, Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, announced on 18 June that WHO’s top operational priority is to rid the world of polio.

“This is the best opportunity to finish the job,” Chan said during a joint press conference at the 2008 RI Convention in Los Angeles. “We will be mobilizing within the organization to double our efforts on the ground.”

Also answering questions from the media were WHO’s partners in the global eradication initiative: Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention; Ann Veneman, executive director of UNICEF; and Robert Scott, chair of The Rotary Foundation.

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Contribute to stopping polio
Read about Chan's convention speech
Read about a covention keynote speech by Tadataka Yamada, president of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Program
See more videos from the 2008 RI Convention in Los Angeles

4 Comments:

At 1:18PM on 10 November 2008, Barry A. Turner, DMD wrote: I am embarrassed that I am just now commenting on this historic effort. My Nevada City (Calif.) 49er Rotary Club is just now organizing a huge electronic waste fund raiser for the polio effort. The Gates Foundation/WHO/local Rotary club commitment to end polio is probably the biggest thing that I have seen happen in my 12 years of Rotary. Wish us luck in our fundraising effort. Thanks.

At 3:43PM on 25 June 2008, Tom Garfin wrote: Truly inspiring! At our club level (River Falls, WI USA) it is sometimes difficult to understand the magnitude or personal impact of our actions, or the true commitment of the people and leaders involved. I was unable to attend the conference, but this video helped galvanize my commitment to success in the polio eradication effort. Thank-you all, for making a difference in our world!

At 10:13AM on 24 June 2008, Cathy Smith wrote: What a treat it was to attend the conference and hear these speakers address their commitment to ridding the world of this disease. Thank you for airing this video. I am only sorry that every Rotarian around the world is not able to hear the entire eloquent remarks of all 3 women as they resolved to get the job done. Dr. Margaret Chan...you are a force to be reckoned with and I am so happy to have you on our side!

At 11:41AM on 23 June 2008, Carol Govers wrote: What a tremendous video! History is written. It was great to be able to attend the LA convention and to bring this message home to the people, Rotarians and others, who were not able to attend. Thanks very much

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