We start by extending our thoughts to Polio News readers around the world. We hope that you are safe.
To those working on the frontlines of COVID-19 response: our thoughts are with you. This edition contains an update on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on polio eradication but also features some of the incredible work that women are doing for polio eradication around the world. Our aim is to recognise the exceptional contributions of health workers and remind us of all of our ongoing determination to end polio.
As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is offering support, expertise and resources to help curb the spread of the virus, adapting skills developed during polio eradication activities. We have a moral imperative to do all we can to help countries overcome this extraordinary emergency.
On 24 March, the Pollio Oversight Board took the difficult decision to temporarily pause some parts of our operations, including vaccination campaigns. Other key activities will continue, including sustaining surveillance for the poliovirus and accelerating progress towards roll-out of the novel oral polio vaccine. There remain thousands of children worldwide who are vulnerable to the poliovirus, and we are committed to rapidly restarting vaccination activities as soon as we are able to do so.