Global Vaccine Summit Edition of Polio News

"Polio eradication can be our generation's legacy to all future generations. Only working together can we make history and end polio." - Scientific Declaration on Polio Eradication

This resource from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was published on the heels of the 2013 Global Vaccine Summit, which sought to catalyse a new wave of support for immunisation. Co-hosted by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, and Bill Gates, the Summit reportedly resulted in renewed dedication to the Decade of Vaccines - a commitment to reaching people everywhere with the vaccines they need. The Summit was timed to coincide with World Immunization Week, which builds global support for vaccination.

Included in the resource are these pieces:

• "US$ 4 Billion Pledged towards a Polio-free World" - Here, partnership as a strategy is highlighted: "A fully-funded plan and sustained political commitment will protect gains made to date and enable GPEI to execute against short- and long-term objectives"
• "Scientists Declare Polio-free World Possible by 2018" - As reported here, on April 11 2013, more than 400 scientists from around the world, including Nobel laureates, public health school deans, and other health experts, added their names to the Scientific Declaration on Polio Eradication [PDF], asserting that polio eradication is possible and expressing their confidence in a new plan to create a polio-free world by 2018. Amongst other recommendations, the advocacy document urges endemic country governments and partners to strengthen security measures and deepen engagement with community and religious leaders to promote demand and protect vaccination teams and volunteers, in light of recent attacks on health workers across Pakistan and Nigeria.
• "Nana Kerima Ali, Polio Hero" - This piece tells the story of a woman who is is part of dedicated group of volunteers who vaccinate the children of Nene Gungou, an island in the Niger River. During mass vaccination campaigns, they travel by boat through crocodile-infested waters to reach the children of this small community.
• "Technical Toolbox: The New Plan" - One key message: "Technological innovation cannot overcome gaps in programme management and community engagement". Click here for access to various documents related to this plan.