POLIO NEWS - May 2023
 download PDF POLIO NEWS May 2023 Dear polio eradication supporter, This month, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) marked 35 years of tremendous progress towards achieving a polio-free world. As we continue building this future, global commitment to the cause remains evident: at the G7 Summit in Japan, Heads of State and Health Ministers urged continued support for the GPEI, while days later, global leaders came together with polio program partners at the World Health Assembly to discuss the opportunity we have to eradicate all endemic wild polio and the need to reach all un- or under-immunized children. During this critical year for polio eradication, the GPEI and its partners will continue to rally support around the world, starting with the Rotary International Convention (27-31 May) and Soccer Aid for UNICEF (11 June), an important show of public support for polio efforts, immunization and the health of children around the world. Rotary's fight to eradicate polio Nearly 40 years ago, Rotary International embarked on an admirable journey – to rid the world of polio. Remarkable progress has been made since then as cases have drastically declined, and the lessons learned from these successes are now being applied to strengthen the response to other public health emergencies, such as malaria. By leveraging longstanding relationships with community leaders and innovative tools used to fight polio, Rotary is showing the world that dreams to deliver healthier futures for children everywhere can be made a reality. From polio to progress On 17 May, polio champions came together to attend a high-level educational briefing with polio experts from around the world. Over 200 advocates from 63 countries attended the event to learn about progress towards eradication, the GPEI’s 2023 priorities, updates from the endemic countries, challenges and innovations in variant poliovirus outbreak response, and the importance of third-party voices supporting eradication efforts. Tune in here to watch the event recording. Advocating for a polio-free world When Ibrahim Mohammed was 12 years old, his life was altered forever when his left leg was paralyzed after contracting poliovirus. Not wanting to see the same devastation happen to other children, today Ibrahim uses his perspective and experience as a polio survivor to advocate for polio immunization in his community of Guasu, the capital of Zamfara State. Here, Ibrahim shares his story and his hopes for Nigeria’s polio-free future. POLIO IN NUMBERSWild Poliovirus in 2023 (2022)* Global Total: 3 (5) Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus in 2023 (2022)* Global Total: 84 (102) *Data as of 24 May 2023. Numbers in brackets represent data at this time in 2022. Breakdown by country Polio this week POLIO IN THE NEWSWHO: Africa’s largest polio vaccination drive since 2020 targets 21 million children (26 May 2023) LiveMint: Biological E, Panacea to make polio vaccine (Priyanka Sharma, 12 May 2023) VaccinesWork: After 30 polio-free years, Burundi fights the paralyzing virus (Diane Ndonse, 10 May 2023) GPEI: 2023: A critical year for polio eradication efforts in northern Nigeria (1 May 2023) PHOTO OF THE MONTH Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, a polio survivor, advocates for polio vaccination.            |
