Angola: Lack of Funds May Derail War Against Polio

By Henry Neondo

LUANDA---In a meeting Monday with a delegation led by the Executive Director of UNICEF, WHO Africa representative and the president of the Global Health Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos reaffirmed the Government´s and his personal commitment to eliminating polio.

 But dos Santos said the country needed financial support for this to be realized.

"The Government of Angola is clear about what needs to be done to eliminate polio in our country and stop the further spread to our neighbours," said Dr. Jose Vieira Dias Van- Dunem, the Minister of Health. "We need the commitment of families and all sectors of society to work together to mount a comprehensive plan that includes vaccination campaigns, stronger routine immunization, and better disease surveillance to quickly detect new cases."

"“Every child has the right to be vaccinated against this evil disease,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director. “This renewed partnership in Angola can help us to achieve an historic victory and rid the world of polio once and for all.”

During a field visit to Cacuaco, one of Luanda’s large urban communities, the delegation met with a family whose daughter had been paralyzed by polio.

They visited a health clinic that provides services to almost 40,000 people and met with community health volunteers who play a vital role in educating communities about the dangers of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and also serving as vaccinators during campaigns.

Angola, which eliminated polio for several years, has been plagued by the re-emergence of this crippling disease since May 2005. The disease has since spread from Angola to Namibia (2006), the Democratic Republic of Congo (2006, 2008 and 2010), and the Republic of Congo (2010).

While good progress has been made since the war ended in 2002, Angola is still rebuilding its primary health care system and investing in infrastructure and human capital.

 The country still faces many challenges in its efforts to eliminate polio and reach all children.

 At a donor's pledging roundtable, private sector companies and bilateral partners agreed to contribute to the US$24.5 million shortfall by pledging additional funds, logistical support and technical expertise. A total of US$70 million is needed this year for the national immunization plan.

“Extraordinary progress in Nigeria and India – each has reduced cases by approximately 95 percent last year – has given us confidence in the global fight to end polio,” said Dr. Tachi Yamada president of the Global Health Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The spotlight has turned to Angola, and we must all be held accountable for success here as we seek to rid the world of a terrible disease.”