The worldwide effort to eliminate polio once and for all, which began more than 20 years ago, might soon reach a successful end, with the help of the recent $635 million donation. The plan is to get the job done over the next five years.

At this point, the paralyzing infection can only be found in a few places all over the world, with northern India and northern Nigeria accounting for more than 80 percent of today’s cases. Other areas where it has been reported include Pakistan and Afghanistan. The money will help the authorities to intensify the vaccination campaigns in these areas and organize better.

The money was raised by the service organization Rotary International in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and also the governments of Germany and Britain. Up until now, more than $6 billion have been spent on this mission, with $1.4 billion received from the United States.

"If we don't do this, we will lose all the investment we have made in the past," explained Gates yesterday at a Rotary conference held in San Diego. Considering the goal a great progress in the global public health, the Gates Foundation donated $255 million, which comes just two years after its $100 million donation.

"The value of this eradication initiative in energizing the global health movement can't be underestimated," he said, adding that "It is super-important that we succeed with polio." Considering the fact that the matter got many people involved, there is a strong chance that the deadline will be met and polio will disappear for good.