From President Scot

"We are THIS Close" is what the international ad campaign says.  And it is correct.  We, Rotarians from around the world, along with WHO and others are THIS close to global polio eradication.  How close are we?  As of June 1 there had been only 181 Polio cases reported in the world, last year at this time there were 254.  Of those 181 cases 163, or 90%, are contained in four countries, Chad (60), DR Congo (50), Pakistan (43), and Nigeria (10).  In other words, the focus is now on these two endemic countries (Pakistan and Nigeria) and two non-endemic countries.  Of the other nine countries with reported cases of Polio, none has more than four reported cases this year.

At this point in eradication efforts it is quick action and adequate funding, that is Polio Plus, which has enabled Global Polio Eradication to successfully work in Tajikistan and go from 457 cases last year to 0 this year!  And, in India, there has only been one reported case this year (last year there were 21 reported as of this date last year)...and that one case in India was back during the second week on January.  Those are the kind of results that are truly astounding and give enormous hope to all that this dreaded disease will be found only in our history books.  

The Rotary Club of Sacramento has raised over $108,000 over the past two decades and over $8,000 this year alone!  You, we are making a difference in the world!  Thank you for your partnership and participation in Polio Plus.  Now, don't you feel good about being a Rotarian?

I will see you on Monday.

President Scot