Bloomberg Philanthropies to Donate US$100 million to polio eradication

Posted by Regina Stefanelli 
on Mar 28, 2013
 
 

 Rotary News -- 28 February 2013 

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced a $100 million donation to support polio eradication efforts through Bloomberg Philanthropies. The donation represents a six-year commitment to help fund the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

"We're at a critical juncture in the global effort to end polio,” says Bloomberg. “If we're going to achieve a polio-free world, we must act quickly and commit now to providing the resources needed."

Rotary International, along with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are global partners in the GPEI.

“On behalf of Rotary International -- and on behalf of all Rotarians -- I thank Mr. Bloomberg and his foundation for this generous contribution of $100 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative,” says Robert S. Scott, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “Not only will this donation help us reach the most at-risk children with polio vaccine, it will also inspire other individuals, foundations, and businesses in the private sector to take part in this history-making endeavor to achieve a polio-free world.”