Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Gates Foundation pledges $220M to fight polio

Speaking of problem set #7, we are making progress towards eliminating poliovirus. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with Rotary International is giving $220 million to help fight polio through public education, immunization campaigns, and surveillance. The virus remains endemic in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Will it be enough? WHO officials estimate that $650M is needed by 2009, and eradicating polio will still cost an extra billion dollars. Additionally, sociopolitical factors may ultimately pose a larger obstacle than funding.

http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_7562569?nclick_check=1

-Becky Grossman-Kahn

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