Funding is vital to end the scourge of polio | Letter

The government is cutting contributions at a critical stage in the campaign to eradicate the disease, writes Gillian Russell

It is extremely disheartening to read that after 2026, the UK government is to end its contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), putting at risk the great efforts that have been made over the last 40 years to improve the health and wellbeing of children across the world (Polio virus detected in London days before ministers cut global eradication funding, 27 March).

The eradication of polio is a cornerstone of the humanitarian work of Rotary International (a GPEI partner). I am one of many Rotary members who have taken part in vaccination days in India and seen at first hand the dedication of local health workers in ensuring that all children are vaccinated.