Morning Briefing

In this editorial in the International Herald Tribune's "Express Tribune," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon examines the global push to eradicate polio, highlighting progress in the "world's war on polio" since it was declared nearly a quarter century ago but warning that "we are in danger of falling victim to our own success," as "the world is now populated by a generation which has either never been exposed to polio or has been inadequately vaccinated." However, "[w]ith a determined push, the international community can wipe out polio once and for all," Ban continues, adding, "To do so, ... it must organize and commit the required financial resources." Ban highlights two upcoming meetings -- the G8 summit at Camp David this week, and a meeting of World Health Assembly in Geneva the following week -- as opportunities for world leaders to push for polio eradication on the international agenda.