Secretary-General calls for global solidarity to eradicate polio
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Vaccinators check that children travelling have received their polio drops during National Immunisation Day in India
The world is being urged to stand with Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan—the last countries where polio is endemic.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday made the appeal for global solidarity to stamp out the disease which causes paralysis and mainly affects children under five-years-old.
"When children are protected from polio, they are better protected against all diseases To deliver global results, we need global solidarity. That is why I have put the strength of the entire United Nations system behind polio eradication." (Duration: 20″)
Polio cases worldwide have dropped by more than 99 per cent since 1988, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented through vaccination.
