Sept 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
ROTARY DISTRICT 5450
September 5, 2019
Colorado Rotarians Remain Steadfast In Commitment To Polio Vaccinations
Significant Friday morning event in Denver to highlight ongoing disease prevention
More than 60 years after Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine, Rotarians continue the mission to wipe out polio through prevention. Polio is an incredibly debilitating disease, permanently crippling, disfiguring, and even paralyzing victims. Although it is eradicated in much of the world, polio remains a threat in two countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has been three years since the wild poliovirus paralyzed a child in Nigeria. The entire World Health Organization African region could be certified wild poliovirus-free by mid-2020. Local, regional, and international Rotarians continue to raise money and help distribute the vaccine in conjunction with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The World Health Organization, and other partners.
Friday, September 6, approximately 170 Rotarians from Colorado and several nearby states are expected to participate in a walk to raise awareness about lingering polio dangers. It will begin at 7 a.m. at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, proceed to Wallace Park, and back to the hotel. The loop is approximately 1.5 miles long. Members of the Denver Southeast Rotary Club will be alongside the route guiding walkers and handing out water. If you are interested in covering this event, please call or text Rotary District 5450 Public Relations Co-Chair Becky Miller at 972-670-5528. For more information on Rotary’s polio efforts, visit www.endpolionow.com
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