LONDON: Success in the fight to wipe out polio is not guaranteed, according to tech billionaire turned philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation has poured billions into the effort.
Bill Gates cautioned against complacency in addressing the deadly viral disease, stressing the importance of ongoing efforts. He welcomed Saudi Arabia’s $500 million pledge to combat polio, aligning it with the US as a major national donor.
However, there is still a $1.2 billion dollar funding gap in the $4.8 billion budget for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) up to 2026, a spokesperson said. The new money from Saudi Arabia will go some way toward closing that.
Saudi Arabia has supported polio eradication for more than 20 years, but the significant increase in funding comes amid a “challenging” situation, said Abdullah Al Moallem, director of health at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the kingdom’s aid arm.
Polio cases have dropped by over 99% since 1988 due to extensive vaccination efforts, reducing the disease’s impact on children.
“It’s not guaranteed that we will succeed,” Gates told Reuters in an online call last week. “I feel very strongly that we can succeed, but it’s been difficult.”
In conclusion, Bill Gates reiterates that while progress has been made in the fight against polio, the goal of eradication is still within reach but requires unwavering support and collaboration. He emphasizes that investing in polio eradication not only saves lives but also contributes to strengthening healthcare systems. Additionally, it improves global health security.
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