Let's eradicate polio once and for all: David Cameron
The Prime Minister called on the international community to maintain its resolve to wipe out the disease forever.
Mr Cameron spoke during聽a press conference聽at a meeting of world leaders in Perth, joining Australia鈥檚 Prime Minister Gillard, Nigeria鈥檚 President Jonathan, Canada鈥檚 Prime Minister Harper and Pakistan鈥檚 Prime Minister Gilani.
In the last 20 years, polio cases have been reduced by 99% and the disease is now close to being only the second in history - after smallpox - to be wiped out. However, polio remains active in more than a dozen countries, crippling and killing many children.聽
In January, the Prime Minister announced a doubling of the UK鈥檚 support to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, to help reach over 90 million children in 2011-2012.
Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, said:
鈥淏ritain is at the forefront of the fight against polio. We have already provided funding for 1.2 billion doses of polio vaccine for children over the past two years and our increased commitment means many millions more will be protected from this terrible disease.
鈥淭he ultimate goal of full eradication can only be achieved if other countries and organisations play their part and release funds.鈥�