Marilyn Bedell presented a brief update on the Rotary Foundation's response to COVID-19.
She started by reminding us that we between World Polio Day that happened on October 24, 2020; and Rotary Foundation Month that begins on 1 November.
- COVID-19 is an infectious disease which reminds us how small the world is. For years we have been reminded that polio is just a plane ride away. COVID-19 has demonstrated how easily an infectious disease can spread globally.
- Our PolioPlus infrastructure has helped Rotary build tools, workforce and extensive surveillance needed to combat COVID.
- The polio program's Surveillance/LabNet part of our program is helping communities understand how to cope. At some point, we will have a vaccine and will likely use some polio learnings to get the vaccine out world-wide.
- In the past, Rotary’s polio structure has helped control Ebola, yellow fever as well.
- Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan polio staff are tracing contacts, combating misinformation and sensitizing health professionals. Nigeria was recently certified polio-free, rendering ALL of Africa off the endemic list.
- Some pauses have been placed on polio vaccinations because of COVID. But recent meetings in Pakistan with the Prime Minister and a key General has reengaged them in the importance of getting kids vaccinated.
- TRF’s initial response to COVID – almost immediately pushed money out to fight the pandemic. Our Trustees permitted Rotary Districts to to convert unexpended grant funds toward COVID-related release. In addition, in total they transferred USD$3 million from the world fund to the disaster Response Fund to be used for COVID response. This permitted out club to repurpose our grant at Romano Circle. We provided $50 gift card to every family living in Romano Circle.
- A variety of other grants that have been approved were summarized.
- Ex) Italy – bought many ventilators but also supported China with $21,000 to get protective masks there. Another district supported establishment of a treatment center in Milan. Marilyn showed the huge resources required to care for one affected COVID patient. Another club provided 136 tablet for communication and psychological relief.
- In Hong Kong – Rotary clubs have raised funds, packed packages of medical supplies, and distributed masks and disinfectants to people in public housingSri Lanka – thermometers in restrooms
- East Africa – established handwashing stations for communities that don’t have easy access to running water..
- Finally, here at home in D7850 supported food banks and masks in VT, NH and Quebec. In addition we are working with District 7870 (Southern VT and NH) on additional global grants totaling over $300,000 to support communities with COVID-19 related issues.
- Since April, the Rotary Foundation has approved $21.6 MM in global grants; $665k was repurposed to COVID; the foundation has approved disaster response grants for 319 district funded for nearly $8 MM. (District 7850…our District) received funds which were used for food insecurity in NH, VT and Quebec.
Mark Maloney, Immediate Past Rotary International President And Holger Knaak, Rotary International President wrote a joint article. In this article they stated:
We are leaders in our communities, and these times call for leadership. In many ways, this also is our time.
We have proven abilities to reach out and collaborate to offer immediate help to people in need at a rapid pace.
These are precisely the skills needed all over the world today. The global effort against COVID-19 depends on actions taken in every country.
Rotary has the unique ability to help improve those efforts in every community and every country.