I'm here in Papua New Guinea in the midst of a polio outbreak. With more than half of the country's children missing their life saving vaccines, this outbreak puts nearly every child in the country at risk. Polio is back in Papua New Guinea 25 years after the country was declared polio free. The recent case of a four year old child paralyzed by this virus is every parents worst nightmare. It's also a stark reminder that until every child is protected, no child is safe. This is not just a challenge for Papa New Guinea, it's a threat to the whole region. Diseases do not respect borders. Another outbreak here threatens children everywhere. Across East Asia and the Pacific we have seen a resurgence of preventable diseases such as measles this year, another warning that when children are not vaccinated, diseases return. But this is entirely preventable. The solution is simple. Immunize every child. Protect every child. No child should have to live with paralysis or suffer from diseases that can be prevented. Behind every number is a child. This child could be a baby taking her first steps, a curious boy on his way to school, a girl dreaming of becoming a nurse, a teacher, or a leader. Diseases like polio can take all of that away in an instant. But the good news is we can stop this. We have the tools, the experience, the partnerships and most importantly, the will. UNICEF is working closely with national governments, WHO, GAVI and other partners to ensure vaccines are delivered safely and on time across countries, making sure every child is reached no matter where they live. But vaccines alone are not enough. That's why we are also engaging parents and communities using trusted voices on radio. Television in churches and in classrooms. We know this won't be easy, but we also know it is possible thanks to the generous support of our donors and partners. Much has already been achieved, but continued and sustained support is vital, not just to stop outbreaks, but to build a stronger, more resilient immunization system that protects generations to come. Every vaccine is a promise kept, a life protected, and a future secured.
