B2 – Upper Intermediate
Health experts warn that cutting funding for polio eradication efforts could reverse decades of progress. While cases are now low in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, continued global support is needed to fully eliminate the disease.
Read the article to know why funding is crucial to eliminate polio.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/08/funding-is-vital-to-end-the-scourge-of-polio?
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “disheartening” mean? “It is extremely disheartening to read that after 2026, the UK government is to end its contributions to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), putting at risk the great efforts that have been made over the last 40 years to improve the health and wellbeing of children across the world” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “cornerstone” mean? “The eradication of polio is a cornerstone of the humanitarian work of Rotary International (a GPEI partner).” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “on the ground” mean here, ” Infection numbers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are very low, but this is a result of great efforts on the ground in these last two endemic countries.”? Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think are the biggest risks of wildlife trade when it comes to spreading diseases?
- Do you think stricter laws on wildlife trade would actually prevent future pandemics? Why or why not?
- How aware do you think people are about the connection between wildlife trade and human health?
- Should countries completely ban wildlife trade, or just regulate it better?
- What role do you think individuals can play in reducing the risks linked to wildlife trade?