The late, Aidan O'Leary, WHO’s director for polio eradication, says that polio eradication, like all aid work, needs not only professional excellence, but for all workers to meet the highest standards of personal conduct. Since the late 1980s, the number of cases of polio has reduced from hundreds of thousands down to a handful every year. In this episode he talks about the importance of leadership and upholding professional standards in delivering his mission. We hear how important it is to win the acceptance, confidence and trust of parents and caregivers to allow vaccinators to enter homes and do their work. Working to the highest professional standards, including adhering to the WHO’s guidelines on the prevention of sexual abuse and misconduct, is critical. O’Leary also reflects on his time working in some of the world’s most protracted and complex emergency environments and talks about the importance of walking the talk - maintaining personal and professional accountability while on duty.

Update 07 August 2024 - Aidan O'Leary, WHO’s Director for polio eradication, passed away a few weeks after this episode was released. Aidan was a tireless advocate for global health, dedicating his life to eradicating polio and ensuring that aid work was carried out with the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.