The top volunteer officer in the Rotary fight against polio spoke to Suburban Rotary on February 18, 2021. Here is a brief summary of comments by Michael K. McGovern (Cape Elizabeth ME).
First published reports on the 1955 Salk polio vaccine noted 80-90% efficacy. First public reports on the 2020 Pfizer coronavirus vaccine indicated 90%+ efficacy. Fortunately for most of us, polio was wiped out in the U.S. and developed world by the mid-1960s.
Rotary began the fight in 1979 with a Rotary grant in the Philippines where Rotarians noticed the disparity in vaccination of children between the undeveloped and the developed world. That year, 350,000 wild polio virus cases were reported worldwide.
Last year, 140 wild polio virus cases were reported, solely in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This year, there is but ONE reported case, and it is in Afghanistan. In a footnote of history, Imelda Marcos was the patroness of the Philippine effort.
If not for Rotary, there are 19M people on earth today who would be paralyzed by polio (650,000 persons per year). That’s $2.3B spent since 1985 and 3B children who have received the oral vaccine since 1988. Less than one dollar per child.
The budget for the fight is $200M per annum including funding of WHO, UNICEF and other partner operations. Since 1979, $1.3B has been contributed from Rotary sources, $900M in direct gifts by Rotarians.
GOOD NEWS
Every Rotary dollar becomes three (3) dollars with the Gates Foundation match.
Only 4% is spent on administrative operations and fund development.
The latest wild polio virus vaccine does NOT mutate genetically, thus, we can see an end to vaccine-related cases (which only occur in the non-vaccinated population).
Are you as proud as I am to be a Rotarian?
See you on Wednesday as we welcome an Omaha medical doctor who is one of the foremost scientists and clinicians in the world working to improve the lives of special needs families and patients. Dr. Mirnics will also open the new Munroe-Meyer Institute clinical and research facility on UNO’s south campus later this year.
Bill Harvey, District 5650 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, is quoted in the March issue of Rotary magazine at p 20-21 in an article about the Fellowship of Rotarian Genealogists.
Our club is mentioned as well. Be sure to read your copy to see it!
César is driven by a vision for the future – an equitable community full of choice and opportunities for residents to thrive, providing a strong foundation for success. In his role as Executive Director at Canopy South, he leads the revitalization efforts in areas of South Omaha and focuses on transforming neighborhoods while bringing together the vital components necessary for holistic community revitalization: high quality mixed-income housing, an effective cradle-to-college education pipeline, and comprehensive community wellness resources; with the goal of creating a healthier, more sustainable, mixed-income community. César fosters intentional partnerships with community stakeholders and leads strategic initiatives and projects to fulfill the mission of the organization.
Previously, César served as a Principal in the Firm and as Engineering Sector Leader at DLR Group. While there, he was the Lead for several notable local projects, including the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Academy and the new addition to Central High School. He holds a master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nebraska and brings more than 15 years of engineering, project management, and business development experience to the organization.
Originally from one of the largest cities in Colombia, César immigrated to the United States as a teenager in pursuit of opportunity – a common thread, which bonds his own experience to many in the community he serves. With strong ties to Omaha, much of his time is committed to giving back to the city foundational to his success. Garcia serves on multiple boards and committees focused on equitable development, including Intercultural Senior Center, Civic Nebraska, and the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Elton Palacio is a 14 year old from Belize with severe Scoliosis. Routine pre-surgery tests in Philadelphia discovered a significant heart issue for which they wanted a pediatric cardiologist to evaluate. Rotary in Belize reached out to us to ask if Children's would help. Elton was accepted last weekend, flew to Omaha on Tuesday, had tests and doctor visits Wednesday, and had a heart catheterization Thursday morning. Unfortunately, he is not a candidate for open heart surgery so his anticipated surgery for scoliosis at Shiner's in Philadelphia has been postponed and probably cancelled. Until arriving in the US a month ago for his back surgery, the family was completely unaware of his heart issue. Needless to say, we are all disappointed he will be returning to Belize this weekend without corrective heart and/or back surgery. We will plan to see him on our next Operation Hippocrates visit to Belize.
Thanks to Sandy Lempke for immediately volunteering a wheelchair for his use while here. Thanks to Hal Daub for his help transporting Elton as needed while in Omaha. I think this will include a VERY early morning trip to the airport this weekend or Monday morning. Hal says he is up for it.
Thanks to all Rotarians for your support of Operation Hippocrates.
LeRoy
p.s. We have received United Miles pledges of about 180,000 toward United’s minimum of 250,000 to use for the medical team to travel to Belize yet this year.
If you have any United Miles that would help us defray the cost of our next trip to Belize, please let me or Leigh know you are willing to donate them to the club(at no cost to you).
Lindy Hoyer has been in touch with the Salvation Army in regards to their winter watch food distribution program. Volunteer spots are available January through February. The shifts start at 5:15 p.m. at the SA Western Divisional Headquarters, 10755 Burt Street. If new to volunteering for SA, need to arrive a bit early to fill out paperwork. The shifts each night are from 5:15-8 p.m. Volunteers must bring and wear a mask, wear warm clothes.
Stephen Center Food Service 2723 Q St, Omaha, NE 68107 3-5 volunteers per shift Suitable for families, as long as children are over age of 10. Volunteers will be serving meals, no food preparation. Masks required.
Elton Palacio is a 14 year old from Belize with severe Scoliosis. Routine pre-surgery tests in Philadelphia discovered a significant heart issue for which they wanted a pediatric cardiologist to evaluate. Rotary in Belize reached out to us to ask if Children's would help. Elton was accepted last weekend, flew to Omaha on Tuesday, had tests and doctor visits Wednesday, and had a heart catheterization Thursday morning. Unfortunately, he is not a candidate for open heart surgery so his anticipated surgery for scoliosis at Shiner's in Philadelphia has been postponed and probably cancelled. Until arriving in the US a month ago for his back surgery, the family was completely unaware of his heart issue. Needless to say, we are all disappointed he will be returning to Belize this weekend without corrective heart and/or back surgery. We will plan to see him on our next Operation Hippocrates visit to Belize.
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