Canada Pledges $151 Million to Global Polio Eradication Efforts
The funding aims to combat recent outbreaks and support vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
- International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced the funding at a Rotary International conference in Toronto.
- The initiative follows the first reported cases of polio in 25 years in the Gaza Strip.
- Canada's contribution will support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, targeting over half a million children in Gaza.
- The World Health Organization reports a 99% drop in polio cases since 1988, but challenges remain due to humanitarian crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Canada's historical contributions to polio eradication now exceed $1 billion, aiming to vaccinate 370 million children annually.