UNICEF on Wednesday “called for continued dedication in ‘finishing the job’ in eradicating polio, while also applauding India for being ‘declared polio free’ for the first time in history,” Xinhua reports. “UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement released … on World Polio Day, which falls on Oct. 24, that ‘fewer children than ever before suffer the debilitating effects of this cruel disease,'” the news service writes (10/24). “Lake added that the world must concentrate its efforts in reaching children that are most at risk: children with disabilities, living in extreme poverty and in conflict zones in remote areas,” the U.N. News Centre writes (10/24).

“In related news, Rotary International on Tuesday cautioned India that a $700 million funding gap in the polio program can ‘undermine’ all progress achieved against the disease so far, Press of India reported,” according to the Malaysian news agency Bernama. “The organization, which has contributed to the polio immunization drive in India, also warned against any complacency in efforts to keep the country free from the virus,” the news agency adds (10/24).