The world’s attention has been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, but Rotary’s long-standing fight to eradicate polio continues. Dr. Paul Stromberg updated Sycamore Rotarians on what is happening during their June 10 Zoom meeting. He noted the World Health Organization (WHO), the organization tracking the COVID-19 crisis, is also the organization that oversaw eradication of smallpox, control of the Ebola virus, and now the near eradication of polio. The U.S. is a major funder of the WHO, providing $237 million through an assessment formula and another $656 million voluntarily. Rotary provides $143 million. China contributes $73 million.
There is an uptick of polio cases mainly blamed on restrictions from COVID-19. Wild polio cases went from 26 in 2019 to 61 this year. Vaccine-derived cases jumped from 11 to 122. The polio virus is active in two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Dr. Stromberg encouraged Sycamore Rotarians to contribute to the “End Polio Now” fund of Rotary. The Rotary fiscal year ends June 30 and so far club contributions are trailing last year’s total of $4,476. To date they stand at $3,514, although some contributions are pending book entry. To give, contact Club Treasurer Dr. Michele Jurkovic or go to www.endpolio.org/donate.