The question is constantly asked “what the next big project for Rotary will be” and the answer is always the same, “we must keep our promise to the world and finish what we started”. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative continues to be the number one focus of Rotary International and will be until this promise is kept. With only two countries still endemic to the wild polio virus and with only three new reported cases this year there is guarded optimism. However, the partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative know that the fight is not over, and a renewed worldwide effort will be needed to reach the goal. At the World Health Summit last October world leaders pledged 2.6 billion dollars over the next three years towards the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The funding will support global efforts to overcome the final hurdles to polio eradication, vaccinate 370 million children annually over the next three years and continue disease surveillance across 50 countries.
From the early 1980s when Rotary Clubs in the Philippines started a local project to vaccinate children in their country. Seeing the success in the Philippines Rotary International adopted the program to vaccinate all children around the world. From those early commitments until today Rotary has been unwavering in the effort to eradicate polio. Rotary support includes volunteers on the ground, environment sampling, laboratory testing facilities, transportation of vaccines, and financial support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Without the commitment of Rotary International and the continued support of the dedicated Rotarians the eradication of this disease would not be possible.
As part of the tremendous financial support commitments made at the World Health Summit Rotary International has pledged $150 million over the next three years. For Rotary to meet this pledge local clubs and their members are asked to help Rotary keep our promise. We have the ability to be part of the eradication of only the second disease in history. Your help is vital to make a difference in the world. As we approach the end of this Rotary year, please consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Fund. Your donation will be matched 2:1 by our polio partner The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
David Wood
DRFC, District 5470