Our health is everything. Yet, 400 million people in the world cannot afford or do not have access to health care. Rotary International believes good healthcare is everyone’s right.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care. CMIRC's support of the Mae Tao Clinic and Dr. Cynthia (right) helps to prevent disease and reduce suffering along the Thai-Burma border.
There are more than a dozen Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs) committed to disease prevention and treatment.
Here is a list of eight of the many RAGs that address health issues:
Alzheimer's/Dementia RAG: They provide information and support to Rotarians on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Members use their knowledge, experience and leadership to fight Alzheimer's disease and dementia. http://adrag.org/
RAG for Blindness Prevention: This RAG helps prevent blindness and promotes eye health and vision worldwide. http://www.rag4bp.org/
RAG of Dental Volunteers: These volunteers provide humanitarian dental service throughout the world. http://ragdv.com/
RAG for Diabetes: This RAG provides has commitment to education, identification, and treatment of diabetes. They are especially concerned about diabetes among children in developing countries. They work with the International Diabetes Federation. http://ragdiabetes.org/
Rotarians for Hearing RAG: These Rotarians promote hearing help for children and adults with hearing loss. http://www.ifrahl.org/
RAG on Mental Health Initiatives: The mission of RAGMHI is to act as a worldwide resource for Rotarians in the field of mental health and mental illness to promote, protect, restore, and to help re-build the lost human capital to make a happier and healthier world. http://ragonmentalhealth.org/
RAG for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: These Rotarians work to make people aware of MS and improve the lives of People with MS. https://rotary-ragmsa.org/
Polio Survivors and Associates RAG: These Rotarians are dedicated to permanently ending polio. They focus on improving the health and well-being of polio survivors. http://www.rotarypoliosurvivors.com