Supply chain innovation and tech will play a key role in a new US$500m global push to eradicate polio, it has been announced.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have teamed up to tackle polio head on in a worldwide strategy. Saudi-based KSrelief has pledged an initial US$500m towards the plan.
The first project , led by the WHO, allocates US$300m to support a range of preventive and therapeutic activities in targeted regions, with a particular focus on Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The second, overseen by UNICEF, targets US$200m at combatting the epidemic among children in multiple countries.
Efforts will be made to strengthen national programmes in countries nearing polio eradication, and will provide essential supplies and preventive measures to these high-risk areas.
The strategy will also support supply chain development, including vaccine purchases and cold storage systems; it will also bolster primary healthcare centres and vaccination campaigns, and will implement community outreach and health education initiatives.
The poliovirus can infect the spinal cord, causing inability to move parts of the body and in some cases can become life threatening. Although reduced by 99 per cent globally since 1988, and eradicated from most areas of the world, it remains in certain countries where poor sanitation eases its spread, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
This new approach aims to not only eliminate the poliovirus in endemic areas but to also fortify global health security by enhancing healthcare systems in affected nations.
The initiative will support a wide range of activities, from supplying vaccines and medical equipment to organising vaccination campaigns and community awareness programs.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, said: “This pledge from Saudi Arabia will enhance the innovation and collaboration needed to eradicate polio. Together with our partners, we aim not only to end polio but also to strengthen health systems in these countries, paving the way for a healthier future for generations to come.”
