Join us in thanking the world leaders for their commitments
On Saturday 29th October, five world leaders and Bill Gates stood together in their resolve to end polio, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia. Collectively they pledged more than $100 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
This is a major step towards closing the funding gap that is limiting the crucial work of the GPEI.
Join us in thanking them for their support by adding your name to our thank you letter below
Dear Prime Ministers Gillard, Harper, Cameron, Gillani, President Jonathan and Bill Gates,
As supporters of The End of Polio campaign, we want to express our thanks to you for your commitments on Saturday 29 October at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, towards the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Your combined contribution of more than US$100 million in additional funding is a significant step towards closing the funding gap limiting the GPEI’s work. Most importantly, this additional funding will provide vaccines for hundreds of millions of the world's poorest children against this debilitating disease.
We applaud the leadership of Prime Minister Gillard, as the host of CHOGM 2011 in bringing together Commonwealth leaders and Bill Gates in renewing global commitment and resolve to bring an end to polio. Your collective actions will revitalise the global momentum for new action on this issue and set a clear challenge to other world leaders to realise this monumental opportunity to eradicate the second human disease in history.
As Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard said, "this is an issue which within our lifetime was a problem right around the world. Now we are in grasping distance of the end of polio worldwide and that is what we are determined to do." You have shown that determination, and we stand firmly in support of your commitments.
Your commitments will both protect future generations from the debilitating impacts of polio, and also play a key role in the movement towards the end of extreme poverty. By standing together and advocating for the end of polio, you have sent a clear message that whilst times are difficult in the current global economic climate, it is never the wrong time to do the right thing. We know that you have earned the respect and admiration from health workers, Rotarians, and polio survivors the world over.
There are moments when we can rightfully be proud of the actions taken by our political leaders. The strong leadership you displayed at CHOGM 2011 will be remembered as one such moment.
Many thanks,
