World Polio Day is October 24
Want to be part of a global health legacy? Join with the Rotary Club of Russell on World Polio Day on October 24 and take action.
Visit online resources to learn more about the fight to end polio at https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day. We must end polio now.
Throughout the world, Rotary has contributed more than $2.2 billion to ending polio since 1985. Rotary District 5680 wrapped up their 2020-2021 fundraising campaign this summer with a total financial impact of $528,084 with all matches. Thanks to a two-to-one match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other matches, every donation was increased significantly. Rotarians were able to help fully immunize and protect 176,024 children of the world against polio and five other dreaded diseases, including killer measles.
When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotarians remain committed to the end.
With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary and its partners must sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has committed to raising $50 million each year to continue its support of global polio eradication efforts. Once again, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match contributions, for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.
A polio-free world is possible, but we can achieve it only by taking action together. Join with Rotarians this World Polio Day, October 24, and end polio now. Donate your time, donate your money or donate your voice. This #WorldPolioDay, your donation to @EndPolioNow will save lives and give children a chance at a healthy, polio-free future. Donate now at https://www.endpolio.org/donate.
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities around the globe. For more than 115 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy and intelligence to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world. Visit endpolio.org to learn more about Rotary and the fight to eradicate polio. To learn more about Rotary or to visit the Russell Rotary Club, email Andrea Krauss at andrea.krauss@johnofarmer.com.
(Information courtesy Russell Rotary.)