UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow presses global push to end polio

As vaccinators continue a campaign aimed at eradicating polio from Africa, award-winning film actress Mia Farrow says global efforts must continue until the debilitating and sometimes deadly disease is eradicated.

In an interview with the UN News Service, Ms. Farrow noted that a decade ago, there were 350,000 cases of paralytic polio around the world, but that number has since dropped to just around 130.

Polio eradication, she said, is within reach. “My goal is that no child should be paralyzed from polio or die of polio when they have had the cure for so long.”

Ms. Farrow also discussed her personal experience as the mother of a young child who was paralyzed by the disease. “Living with a paraplegic boy has really bought the issue of polio to the front of my mind, knowing how difficult everything is for him,” she said. “Having looked into it I thought that [UNICEF] would be an organization that would be really worthwhile to support.

The actress also spoke of the personal satisfaction she gains from advocating for the agency. “My efforts are miniscule compared to what some people are doing [and] what needs to be done,” she said, but “just feeling like I am doing my best makes my life worthwhile to me and makes me sleep better.”

Asked what interested people can do to help the situation, Ms. Farrow said, “if you have a spare penny, you could give it to UNICEF.” She added that the money goes directly to those who need it most.

“I can really vouch for it.”