RAMESH FERRIS

For me everyday is a polio day, But today is #WorldPolioDay My legs were paralyzed by #polio virus 25 years after release of the 1955 vaccine. Showing you my legs that look so different from yours is the strongest tool I have to educate you that #VaccinesWork #EndPolio #COVID19

In Afghanistan, community mobilizers and health workers supported by @KSRelief_EN reached over 200,000 caregivers, helping vaccinate over 12 million children in 2025. This is what impact looks like on the ground. #KSReliefGlobalImpact #EndPolio

Honoured to deliver the annual Barnes Lecture at the Brown University School of Public Health. Many thanks to @Brown_SPH’s  Dean Francesca Beaudoin for the engaging conversation and the opportunity to discuss several urgent global health issues including reforms to the global health architecture and the future of immunisation. I highlighted how through the #GaviLeap reforms, @Gavi is transforming the way it works with countries to support national self-reliance and put implementing countries in the driving seat. The global health landscape is evolving rapidly but we have a generational opportunity to build a new global health architecture fit for the realities of today and the world beyond 2030.

On 12 April 1955, Jonas Salk announced a safe, effective #polio #vaccine—changing history. Cases fell dramatically, saving millions. When asked who owned the vaccine, Salk famously replied: “The people… Could you patent the sun?” 💛 #PolioVaccine #Salk bbc.co.uk/culture/articl…

Good to see @WHOSom, @MoH_Somalia, @UNICEFsomalia, @GatesFoundation, @CDC and partners coming together last week to step up efforts to #EndPolio in Somalia, where an outbreak has persisted since 2017 and spread to neighboring countries. With a clear focus on strengthening surveillance, improving campaign quality and reaching every last child with vaccines, this renewed push — backed by strong political commitment and frontline health workers — can help bring us to the finish line.

The polio vaccination campaign reaching children across Nigeria right now is led by @Fmohnigeria, dedicated health workers in the field & the support of committed partners like @KSRelief_EN @CanadaDev @EIB @EU_Commission @Rotary. Different organizations. One mission. #EndPolio

A proud milestone for global health. Twelve years on, the South-East Asia Region continues to protect children through strong immunization efforts and an unwavering commitment to #EndPolio. 🌍 A healthier, polio‑free world is possible, and together we can make it a reality.

Thanks to the support from @KSRelief_EN @CanadaDev @EIB @EU_Commission @Rotary and the leadership of Tanzania's Ministry of Health and partners, the latest polio vaccination campaign is targeting to reach over 6 million children this week. #EndPolio

Many thanks to @HelenClarkNZ and the entire @Gavi Board for a productive week of meetings. Your expertise and insights are invaluable as we navigate challenges, accelerate impact and map out the future of the Vaccine Alliance. We must acknowledge that the global health landscape in which we operate is radically changing but thanks to the #GaviLeap reforms, we are more agile and ready to respond to future challenges and threats.

Today I met baby Mumtaz in Mogadishu at a UNICEF supported hospital where her mother brought her for a polio vaccination. Children in Somalia continue to face the threat of polio outbreaks. UNICEF and #GPEI partners are committed to supporting the government to #EndPolio.

It was a pleasure to participate earlier this week in a virtual webinar organized by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative recognizing the critical role women play in eradication efforts. As a Gender Champion for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, I underscored how women power the fight to end polio — from labs to the frontlines of vaccination. As we enter the final stretch to #EndPolio, I call on partners, decision-makers and the global polio workforce to do all they can to remove barriers, invest in safe and equitable workplaces and strengthen women’s leadership. Empowering women isn’t optional — it’s how we will finish the job. @GatesMiddleEast | @EndPolioNow | @UNICEF | @Rotary | @gatesfoundation | @Gavi | @CDCgov

All of us at UNICEF are devastated and outraged by the killing of our colleague Karine Buisset in a reported drone attack in Goma, DRC. My immediate thoughts are with the family, loved ones & colleagues across UNICEF. Civilians, including aid workers, must never be targeted.

🙏Committed partners like @CanadaDev @EIB @EU_Commission @KSRelief_EN are enabling the incredible women worldwide - from scientists to program leaders to health workers, in doing everything possible to #EndPolio & protect children from vaccine preventable diseases. #IWD2026

Polio eradication in Pakistan runs on the dedication of thousands of women health workers. This #InternationalWomensDay, #GPEI Gender Champion @AyeshaRaza13 joins us in celebrating every single one of them. 🎥👇 #IWD2026 #ForEveryChild #EndPolio

Women currently make up 70% of the global health workforce and are the backbone of essential health systems around the world. This #InternationalWomensDay I pay tribute to their essential efforts to protect and serve their community:

This #InternationalWomensDay, I’m proud to stand with the women of Team End Polio, using our voices to help protect every child, everywhere and build a healthier, polio-free future. #IWD2026 #EndPolio @DrTedros @Rotary @GlblCtzn

Wonderful to see the committed leadership of the 🇦🇴Minister of Health and the diligence of health workers and partners to reach children with the polio vaccine. Than you @Rotary @KSRelief_EN for your continued support to make Angola polio free.

In Ethiopia, young football players joined members, Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, and partners from @UNICEF for a "Kick Out Polio" event—a powerful reminder that ending polio depends on both vaccines and community engagement. #EndPolio

#UnicefThanksJapan 🙏Continued support from committed global donors like @JapanGov @jica_direct_en enables health workers and partners to continue efforts to #endpolio and reach children with other life saving vaccines. #Vaccineswork unicef.org/afghanistan/pr…

Progress toward polio eradication is possible thanks to vaccines — and sustained support from donors including @KSRelief_EN🇸🇦, the UAE 🇦🇪 and others. At WHO EB158, the world reaffirmed its commitment to finish the job.➡️polioeradication.org/news/vaccines-… #EndPolio

Even in harsh weather conditions, this week @WHO teams are on the frontlines supporting @GovtofPakistan & polio workers to vaccinate & protect 45M children from paralytic polio across the country. Together, we can #EndPolio