In a recent focus on World Polio Day, the dedicated efforts of Rotary International and its partners in the fight against polio were brought to light. Despite the remarkable progress made, polio continues to exist in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and sporadic cases are reported worldwide. Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio dates back to 1979, with the launch of the Polio Plus program in 1985 and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the CDC.
In the 1980s, the world witnessed a thousand new cases of polio each week. Now, thanks to concerted global efforts, there’s been a 99.9% reduction in polio cases. Polio, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five, can cause crippling effects on the central nervous system. The importance of vaccination in preventing polio’s spread cannot be overstated, and it’s crucial for both adults and children.
World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the actions still required to completely eradicate this disease. Rotarians play a significant role, not only through donations to the Polio Plus program but also by participating in national immunization days. These involve administering oral polio vaccines to children, an activity that requires no medical background as guidance is provided by healthcare workers.
Carol Tjoa, a Rotarian, discussed Rotary’s endeavors to overcome resistance to immunizations and the necessity of continued support and donations. Notably, the Gates Foundation generously matches every dollar raised by Rotarians 2 to 1.
The Rotary Club of North Rockland, of which Carol is a member, actively participates in these efforts and hosts events like the World Polio Day event on October 24th. Being a Rotarian offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the global eradication of polio, promoting health, and disease prevention, and enhancing lives around the world.
Additionally, the Rotary Foundation’s commitment extends beyond polio eradication. They focus on surveillance programs and plan to continue their mission of promoting peace and fellowship through various programs even after polio is eradicated.
The involvement of organizations like the Rotary Club highlights the importance of community and global efforts in tackling major health issues. The eradication of polio stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective action and perseverance. For more information or to join in these efforts, visiting the Rotary Club’s website is encouraged.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radiorotary/supportPleasant Valley Holiday Festival (Aired November 30 and December 1, 2019)
Hamburg Rotary International Convention, Part 4 (Aired November 23 and 24, 2019)
Hope on a Mission, or HOAM (Aired on November 17 and 18, 2019)
Dutchess Outreach Feeds the Needy (Aired on November 9 and 10, 2019)
Sparrow’s Nest (Aired on November 2 and 3, 2019)
Polio Survivor Swims Lake George (Aired October 19 and 20, 2019)
Hamburg Rotary International Convention, Part 3 (Aired October 26 and 27, 2019)
Hamburg Rotary International Convention, Part 2 (Aired October 12 and 13, 2019)
Italian-American Festival in Kingston (Aired On October 5 & 6, 2019)
Miles of Hope Aids Cancer Victims (Aired on September 28 and 29, 2019)
Vegetable Seed Against Hunger (Aired on September 21 and 22, 2019)
35th Annual Bike-A-Thon to Aid Library (Aired on Sept. 14 and 15, 2019)
FineHome Source Home Show (Aired on Aug 31 and Sept 1, 2019)
Lilymoore Alpaca Farm in Pleasant Valley (Aired on August 3 and 4, 2019)
Hamburg Rotary International Convention, Part 1 (Aired on August 24 and 25, 2019)
Youth Experiences Abroad: Germany (Aired on August 17 and 18, 2019)
Ribfest at Ulster Fairgrounds (Aired on August 10 and 11, 2019)
Firehouses Celebrate 100th Anniversary (Aired on August 3 and 4, 2019)
More than Just a Service Club (Aired on July 27 and 28, 2019)
Alleviating Poverty and Helping Education and Seniors (Aired on July 6 and 7, 2019)
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