Geneva, 20 January 2009—Dr Shigeru Omi, the outgoing Regional Director of the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region, today appealed to the organization and its Member States to finish the job of eradicating poliomyelitis in the world.
In a farewell address here to the Executive Board, WHO's governing body, Dr Omi said that despite an unprecedented global effort and the commitment of enormous resources, polio was still endemic in four countries. He went on: "Of course, I understand that these countries are faced with daunting obstacles, making the job extremely difficult. But the whole world is waiting. Simply put, this is a battle we cannot afford to lose."
Dr Omi, who is standing down at the end of January after two consecutive five-year terms as Regional Director, was instrumental in the elimination of polio from the Western Pacific in the late 1990s.
For the full text of Dr Omi's speech
Regional Director's speeches