World Polio Day

Poliomyelitis (Polio) is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. The poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio is incurable, but completely vaccine-preventable.

In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccinations of children. Rotary has contributed more than $1.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $7.2 billion to the effort.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative formed in 1988, is a public-private partnership that includes Rotary, the World Health Organization, the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments of the world. Rotary’s focus is advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and awareness building.

Today, there are only three (3) countries that have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Just 37 polio cases were confirmed worldwide in 2016, which is a reduction of more than 99.9% when the world saw about 1,000 cases a day. So far in 2017 only 8 cases of polio have been reported three: Afghanistan (5), Pakistan (3).

More than one million Rotary members have donated their time and personal resources to end polio. Every year, hundreds of Rotary members work side-by-side with health workers to vaccinate children in polio-affected countries. Rotary members work with UNICEF and other partners to prepare and distribute mass communication tools to reach people in areas isolate by conflict, geography, or poverty. Rotary members also recruit fellow volunteers, assist with transporting the vaccine and provide other logistical support.

October 24^th is World Polio Day. Rotary Clubs around the world will be holding special events to bring awareness to our fight to eradicate polio.

Here in Ambler, the Ambler Borough Council passed a resolution at the October Board meeting declaring October 24^th as World Polio Day. On October 24^th, the members of the Rotary Club of Ambler gathered at the main entrance of the Ambler Savings Bank to help bring awareness to the residents of Ambler Borough and surrounding community.

If you feel as though you would like to donate to help in the fight against polio, you may make out your check payable to: “The Rotary Foundation.” Mark in the memo line, “PolioPlus.” Send the check to the Rotary Club of Ambler, Box 81, Ambler, PA 19002. Your check will be forwarded to Rotary International and you will receive an acknowledgement from RI of your tax-deductible contribution.