Immunization Newsbriefs © Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii’s new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

 

February 8, 2002

 

“Olympics-Koss Joins $1 Billion Bid to Boost Child Immunization”

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (02/06/02); Vignal, Patrick

Olympic speed skating champion Johann Olav Koss, who is also the chairman of the Olympic Aid organization, has joined with humanitarian organization Vaccine Fund in hopes of raising $1 billion over the next four years to ensure that children in the world’s 74 poorest countries are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.  Last year in Accra, Ghana, the Olympic Aid and Vaccine Fund project sponsored the world’s first Sport and Immunization Festival, at which several leading athletes, including Koss, helped more than 2,600 children enjoy a day of sports and immunizations.  Money will be raised during the Olympics via an auction of Olympic memorabilia, including a pair of Koss’ speed skates.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.