AS THE CEO of national charity The British Polio Fellowship, I was shocked to read of the discovery of a new polio-like virus in America which has so far led to 100 children developing paralysis.
Since the global initiative to eradicate polio was established in 1988, the number of cases was lowered by more than 99 per cent in 30 years. Through routine vaccination, an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 were reduced to a reported 650 in 2011.
However, the fight to completely eradicate polio still goes on to this day as news like this shows.
With a bit more work, we can make the polio eradication dream set up in 1988 a reality.
Our charity relies entirely on the support of the public and corporate sponsors. If you are interested in getting involved at whatever level, please call 0800 043 1935.
Ted Hill, CEO, The British Polio Fellowship (via e-mail)
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