Global Polio Eradication

Dear End Polio Now Zone Coordinators:

This morning, financial commitments totaling approximately US$4 billion over six years toward the US$5.5 billion endgame strategy of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative were announced during the Global Vaccine Summit in Abu Dhabi.

Of note are new contributions from new donors, totaling $355 million:

·         Albert L. Ueltschi Foundation

·         Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global

·         Bloomberg Philanthropies

·         Carlos Slim Foundation

·         Dalio Foundation

·         The Foundation for a Greater Opportunity established by Carl C. Icahn

·         The Tahir Foundation

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also announced a second pledge to polio eradication of US$120 million, adding to his first contribution made in 2011. A range of other donors, including the Islamic Development Bank, Ireland and Japan, helped round out the additional new pledges.

Rotary was represented at the meeting by India National PolioPlus Chair Deepak Kapur, International PolioPlus Committee Chair Bob Scott, PolioPlus Director Carol Pandak, and the entire 2-day event was emceed by Rotary polio ambassador, actress Archie Panjabi.

The chart with the contribution breakdown is attached, and the final press release follows below. A story highlighting the good news from the Vaccine Summit will soon be posted on the RI and End Polio Now websites and this news will also be promoted via Rotary’s social media channels. Please let us know if you would like this information in French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean or Japan. Translations will be forthcoming as soon as they are completed.

Best regards,

Carol Pandak

Director, PolioPlus