World Polio Day: Rotary's Commitment to a Polio-Free World

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 Choa, a Rotarian and a healthcare administration professional 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.

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