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Sunday 29 Nov 2015 - 11:06 Makkah mean time-17-2-1437
UN chief Ban Ki-mmon (Pic: UN News Center)
Valletta (IINA) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday urged leaders, who gathered in Malta for the Commonwealth Summit, to build on the momentum that has been generated in recent years and join the United Nations in making “the final push to wipe out polio forever.”
“Polio struck down many of my generation. Now we are on the verge of striking down polio,” he told participants, including senior government officials and polio survivors at an event on the margins of the Commonwealth Summit, which opened here on Friday.
Recalling his recent visit to Nigeria, Ban told the gathering that he has been witnessing the progress himself, and that indeed, for the first time in history, Nigeria and the African continent reported a full year without one case of polio.
“These and other achievements are testaments to the power of global partnership and concerted leadership. They are a tribute to millions of dedicated health workers on the frontlines,” said the UN chief, while warning: “We must stay vigilant.”
He outlined three keys to achieving a polio-free world: the full engagement of all sectors of society, including religious and traditional leaders, youth and women's groups and other partners such as Rotary International; ensuring that in areas of conflict and insecurity, that warring parties must allow safe passage for health workers to access and vaccinate children; and the commitment of the global community to fill the funding gaps and keep this promise to the world's children.
“Together, let us make the final push – and wipe out polio forever. With your support, I know we will succeed,” Ban said.
AB/IINA
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