Durbin, Wicker Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 30th Anniversary Of the Eradication Of Polio In The Americas

Durbin, Wicker Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 30th Anniversary Of the Eradication Of Polio In The Americas

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced a resolution commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the eradication of polio in the Americas, in which the World Health Organization (WHO) certified the region as being "polio-free" on September 29, 1994. Nearly 60,000 children in the United States were reported to have polio in 1952, with more than 20,000 cases of paralysis. The polio vaccine was discovered at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania by Jonas Salk and his research team between 1952 and 1953. The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

"Polio is a cruel disease, one that has historically caused considerable pain here in the United States, and abroad," Durbin said. "But thanks to the effort of groups like Chicago's Rotary International, today, polio remains endemic in only two countries worldwide: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The complete worldwide eradication of polio is imminently achievable. I'm pleased to introduce this resolution with my colleague, Senator Wicker, recognizing the important achievements we have made and urging a sustained commitment to finally eradicate this disease once and for all."

"We are closer than ever to eliminating polio - thanks in part to consistent U.S. investments over the last 30 years. I will continue working to build on this momentum and strengthen eradication-initiatives, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan,"Wicker said.

"The Shot@Life campaign thanks Senators Durbin and Wicker for introducing this bipartisan Resolution and for their longstanding leadership in the fight to end polio," said Cara Ciullo, Senior Director for Shot@Life. "The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a critical leader in the global effort to ensure children everywhere have access to polio vaccinations. U.S. government support for these activities protects vulnerable children and strengthens global health security, keeping Americans safe at home and abroad."

"Rotary is delighted to see this resolution highlighting progress toward ending polio," said Michael McGovern, Chair of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee. "While we celebrate the fact that the Americas have been polio free for more than a generation, we can't become complacent. Polio anywhere is a risk everywhere. A polio free world is Rotary's top priority and we are grateful for continued US leadership toward that shared goal."

In the resolution, the Senators highlight Rotary International, an international association founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, and now headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, which has made eradicating polio globally one of its top priorities. Rotary International has been a key contributor to reducing outbreaks of polio worldwide, including contributing more than $2.7 billion in the global fight against polio. Since 1988 the number of cases of polio around the world has been reduced by 99 percent, as a result of the efforts and support from Rotary International, WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Foundation, the United States, and other national governments.

Text of the resolution can be found here.

-30-