A short piece by Voice of America highlights the urgency for further investment to make a final push over the finish line to ending polio forever.  Dr. Liam Donaldson, who heads the World Health Organization's Independent Monitoring Board for polio eradication, is quoted making the case for why it’s in the interest of all countries around the world – not just those few countries battling polio today – to ensure that all children in the world are protected from this preventable disease. 

Just a few days ago in London, Sir Liam attended a reception in honor of 25 athletes living with polio who are participating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  The athletes represent countries including the US, Nigeria, India and South Africa as well as Britain.  In remarks made at the event recognizing the dedication and commitment of the Paralympians, Sir Liam said the reduction in polio cases from 350,000 cases in 1988 to 2012 to 128 was a remarkable achievement, and urged for more financial support and political will to achieve eradication. 

Athletes living with polio have joined the fight to end polio forever, serving as champions to make the 2012 Paralympic Games the last competition when new polio cases are still occurring.