Global leaders pledge to fight polio

World leaders yesterday added their weight to a push to eradicate polio, pledging millions of dollars in new funds to bring an end to the crippling and potentially fatal disease.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who is hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, said her country would spend $53.5 million over four years towards the global fight.
"While polio remains anywhere in the world it is a threat to anyone," she told a joint news conference with leaders from Britain, Canada, Pakistan and Nigeria -- by her side.
Polio remains a challenge for the 54-nation Commonwealth, with three of the four of the world's endemic countries -- India, Nigeria and Pakistan -- members.