New York: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said on Sunday that it will commit $1.2 billion to support efforts to end all forms of polio globally.

Polio is a highly infectious disease spread mainly through contamination by faecal matter, used to kill and paralyse thousands of children annually. While there is no known cure, three injections of the vaccine provide nearly 100% immunity.

Governments and foundations aim to end polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where the virus continues to circulate. "The last steps to eradication are by far the toughest. But our foundation remains dedicated to a polio-free future, and we re optimistic that we will see it soon," said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is run by Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 17 2022

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