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Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
children:
In 1990, the World Summit for Children made polio
eradication one of its primary goals. Of the 27 Summit goals, none was
as scientifically challenging as eliminating one of the leading causes
of disability. But due to a massive, coordinated effort, polio
eradication is one of the Summit goals against which we have made the
most progress.
When we began, 1,000 children were paralysed
by polio every day. In 2001, just over one child was paralysed each
day - for a total of 480 children worldwide. From 125
polio-infected countries, we are down to 10.
In just a few weeks, we will likely see the 51
countries of Europe certified polio-free, joining the Americas and the
countries of the Western Pacific.
Behind these statistics of progress however, are
children who are still being paralysed by polio – children who may
not have the chance to go to school, to work, or raise a family.
But also revealed by these statistics is the
tremendous resolve of the human spirit to unite toward a common goal
for the benefit of children. 10 million volunteers reached over 575
million children last year during National Immunization Days.
The message is clear. With more than ten years of
experience in polio eradication, the World Health Organization stands
behind the feasibility of this historic goal. We have the tools and
the strategies to eradicate this disease forever.
With polio at the lowest levels in history, we must
continue our massive effort, now more urgently than ever, and exploit
this window of opportunity.
The remaining polio-endemic countries are amongst
the most difficult. Our goal can only be achieved through a strong
partnership which includes the full engagement of the United Nations
network, much of which is already working with the Global Polio
Eradication Initiative.
For example, the World Food Programme is delivering
vaccine into south Sudan, and the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees is helping investigate polio cases in the most remote areas
of the Sahara. Secretary-General Annan is calling for peace where
violence and fear prevent children from being reached, and, he has
vaccinated children with his own hands.
To the children here today – and to all children. We made you a
promise. Together, we will keep this promise, and deliver a polio-free
world.
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