Ambassador Helps Launch Polio Campaign

Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan William Crosbie administers a dose of the poliomyelitis vaccine to an Afghan child at a ceremony November 15 officiated by Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The event launched the final three-day polio vaccine campaign of 2009. From November 15- 17, the World Health Organization will vaccinate approximately 7 million children across Afghanistan. Children will also receive vitamin A capsules to help ward off respiratory diseases during the upcoming winter.

As one of Canada’s three signature projects, Canada is investing up to $60 million over three years to eliminate this disease, making Canada the largest donor in this area. Funding for this signature project is included in the Government of Canada’s investment of as much as $111 million over three years to help the Government of Afghanistan provide humanitarian assistance in the province of Kandahar and nationwide.