VACCINES: Needed to rid the world of polio, other diseases

The health care media is focused on the ‘tripledemic’ of influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV. Viruses continue to impact people’s lives with only one true success story, the eradication of smallpox in 1977. Vaccination against polio has been the next closest success story. Global efforts have managed to eradicate 99.9% cases of polio. Globally we are so close to successful eradication.

Only Pakistan and Afghanistan have cases of wild polio. These countries are working with global health care agencies to eradicate polio. This will be a historic event. Stopping a disease at its source will prevent the spread and potential global threat.

You can help by advocating for lifesaving vaccines by contacting Sen. Risch, Sen. Crapo and Rep. Fulcher to ask for funding of global childhood immunization programs in the 2024 budget. We have an opportunity to finally rid the world of polio by investing in global health security. By increasing access to vaccines, everyone around the world will benefit from the spread of deadly diseases.

LORNA SCHUMANN

Post Falls