WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK
Posted by Nan Jarvis (Mountain Foothills) johnnan@comcast.net
This month, from 24 to 30 April, we join WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in celebrating World Immunization Week, raising awareness of the incredible impact that vaccines have had on global health. This year's theme is "Vaccines Work" – and they do. The proof is in our polio eradication campaign. Thirty years ago, there were an estimated 350,000 cases of polio per year worldwide. Only 37 cases of polio were recorded in 2016. As of 19 April, there have only been five. All of the other cases, and the paralysis and death they would have brought, were prevented through the widespread use of a safe, reliable, and inexpensive vaccine.
In an uncertain world, vaccines offer something remarkable: a way to protect our children throughout their lives. By working together to safeguard all children against polio and other preventable diseases, Rotary is truly Serving Humanity – now and for generations to come.
Sincerely,
John F. Germ
President, Rotary International 2016-17
President, Rotary International 2016-17