EU lauds India's victory over polio

The European Union has lauded India's victory over polio but warned that polio could return in areas of conflict.

No polio case has been reported in India for three years.

"While we applaud the progress in India, we also see that where conflict rages and health systems are destroyed, we see the return of polio. Syria is the most striking example," an EU statement said.

The statement was issued by Kristalina Georgieva, the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, and Andris Piebalgs, the EU Commissioner for Development.

"In order to eradicate polio, we need functioning immunisation and sustainable health systems," the statement said.

"That's why the European Commission already substantially supports the health sector in partner countries."