END POLIO Important Milestone!

An Important Milestone This 24 July marks one year since Nigeria’s last case of wild poliovirus. That’s the longest period the country has gone without a case of the disease. This achievement has particular significance, because Nigeria is one of only three countries in the world in which polio is still endemic. When the disease is eradicated in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the world will be free of polio. A few weeks later, 11 August will mark one year since the last case of polio in Africa: a case in Somalia that came at the end of an outbreak in the Horn of Africa. Africa’s countries have overcome significant challenges — including lack of security and difficulty reaching children in remote places — to protect their children from polio. Rotary has played an important role in reaching these milestones. Rotarians have dedicated their time and their personal resources to keep children safe from this disease by immunizing them, donating money, raising funds, and urging governments to support the cause. Rotary has donated $688.5 million to fight polio throughout Africa, including more than $200 million designated for Nigeria. While this is notable progress, we haven’t finished the job yet. AFGHANISTAN NIGERIA PAKISTAN