Statement from United Nations Foundation CEO Kathy Calvin on Health Worker Attacks in Pakistan

Following deadly attacks on health workers in Pakistan who were part of a polio vaccination campaign, United Nations Foundation CEO Kathy Calvin issued the following statement.  Six health workers—part of a campaign supported by UNICEF and WHO to vaccinate tens of millions of Pakistani children at risk from polio—have been killed in the past 24 hours.

“The UN Foundation joins our partners at the United Nations and the Government of Pakistan in condemning the violence in the strongest possible terms and calling for an end to these attacks.  Acts of violence against innocent health workers have no place in our world and only deprive communities in Pakistan of basic lifesaving health services.

“These health workers were protecting children from polio, and we will not forget their sacrifice.  The UN Foundation remains committed to helping communities in Pakistan and around the world gain access to vaccines, so children everywhere have a chance to lead healthy lives.”