98 Percent Decrease in Nigerian Polio Cases

The incidence of polio has gone down by 98 per cent, reports Nigeria and the UN has given the assurance of extending another 60 million dollars for more vaccines.

The foundation, started with a huge donation from US media mogul Ted Turner, said Nigeria has confirmed only eight cases this year compared with nearly 400 in the fall of 2009, a statement said.

Poliomyelitis - About
Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It results in paralysis and generally affects people of all age groups, children being more susceptible

Officials, including Turner, announced the new financing on Monday in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

"It will be at least an 80-million-dollar commitment.... That is just for the 2011 campaign," UN foundation president Timothy Wirth told a news conference.

Wirth said 60 million dollars would be used to purchase polio vaccines while the balance of 20 million would assist in the campaign against measles.

India and Pakistan Jointly to Fight Against Polio, Avian Flu
India and Pakistan Tuesday enhanced their cooperation in the crucial area of healthcare and discussed steps needed to jointly fight polio and avian flu

"Over the last 10 years, nearly a billion dollars has been spent overall," Wirth said, referring to the global commitment made by Turner, whose donation created the foundation in 1998.

The foundation said in a statement that recent progress in Nigeria is proof that vaccines are key to eradicating polio and reducing measles worldwide.

Polio may be on Its Way Out from India
The latest World Health Organization data indicates that India has been successful in fighting polio.

"Working together, I know we can finish the job on polio," Turner said after talks with key government officials and traditional rulers, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the threat is more pronounced.

Source-AFP