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Marietta and Cobb County Rotary Clubs Mark Historic Progress Toward a Polio-free World
Rotary Clubs join together for End Polio Now event
Marietta and Cobb County Rotary Clubs Mark Historic Progress Toward a Polio-free World
On Tuesday October 24th, the members of the Rotary Club of Marietta Metro and the Rotary Club of North Cobb were among millions reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. There were Rotary events coordinated worldwide with clubs across the globe in recognition of World Polio Day – 24 Oct.
The Marietta Community’s “End Polio Now Event” was held at the Marietta Wine Market located at 18 Powder Springs Street in Marietta. During the event, there was a live video stream with Bill and Melinda Gates, a 3D National Polio Foundation Presentation along with wine and hors-d’oeuvres.
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Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
Rotary has contributed more than US$1.7 billion to ending polio since 1985. Since July 2017 our communities local Rotary contributions have already reached US$35,000.
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About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.
