Norm and Badar with 3 others travelled to Pakistan for two weeks in January on a polio immunization trip. While polio was the stated reason for the trip they spent as much time and effort on literacy and health. Their trip took them first to Karachi, then to Islamabad and finally to Lahore.
In Karachi they visited two large hospital including the free Indus Hospital and several Rotary sponsored clinics. They then immunized children at the Railway station and even on the train. Between trains immunization took place in an adjacent park.
Islamabad was a repeat with clinics and immunization in a local village. A highlight was a visit to Canada House and the Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Perry Calderwell. The High Commissioner visited us for lunch at Rotary in Brampton a few weeks later. Then on to Lahore for a repeat. In all three cities they visited Rotary sponsored schools and gave out 'End Polio Now' note books.
Both Norm and Badar commented on the amazing hospitality. They did about 18 make-ups and interacted with Rotarians from about 15 other clubs. In each city they were home hosted and chauffeured to their various events and immunization sites.
Pakistan does not need us to do polio immunization. They have a very well organized system that targets bus stations, railway stations and highways entering the cities as well as schools and clinics. But they want us there so we can learn and return home with the message. We are very close but not quite there yet. And as Vanora, who recently did polio immunization in Mexico, said in thanking the speakers, "Giving those Two Small Drops" is an emotional experience the first time and every time you do it.
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