April 12 marked a historic anniversary for global health. On this day, 60 years ago, Jonas Salk’s inactivated polio vaccine was proven safe and effective in protecting children against polio.

The world was given a critical tool to fight a crippling disease. Born just a few months prior to this historic event I am one of the lucky ones who received the polio vaccine.

Today, the finish line is in sight and we have a unique opportunity to wipe out this debilitating disease forever. Globally, polio has been reduced 99 percent. Africa has not seen a new case of polio since July 2014.

However, as long as a single child remains infected, all children are at risk. The United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign engages Americans to advocate and raise funds to ensure vaccines reach children in developing countries.

While polio is a distant memory for many of us in the U.S., it remains a threat for so many children living in developing countries.

As our nation reflects on this historic anniversary, I urge our elected officials to fully support polio eradication efforts until we reach the end.

Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Kirk (R-IL) introduced a resolution commemorating the discovery of the polio vaccine and supporting efforts to eradicate polio. This is an excellent platform for other Senators show their support for the global fight to end polio and what better way to build global peace than to work towards the shared value of health and a Shot@Life for all children.