While last week focused our time, talents and treasures here locally, the week of April 24-30 is when the time, talents and treasures of Rotarians across the world are directed to World Immunization Week.
World Immunization Week is an opportunity to promote the power of vaccines. While Polio Eradication has long been a primary focus area in Rotary, the emergence of COVID-19 has called upon us to apply the wisdom, experience, research and infrastructure to tackle this contemporary epidemic as well.
"in today's interconnected world," according to an informational message provided by Rotary International, "an outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere. Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to improve people's health and well-being. Even as COVID-19 vaccination efforts take place, vaccinations for other preventable diseases such as polio and measles, need to continue in order to protect vulnerable children. According to the World Health Organization, immunizations save up to 3 million lives per year. Thanks to the work of Rotary and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, more than 19 million people who otherwise would have been paralyzed by polio can walk today."
Join with Rotary as we raise awareness of our work to #EndPolio and show that #VaccinesWork. Join with Rotary in reminding everyone that our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work!
How? Visit the Rotary International website to learn more about Rotary's longstanding commitment to eradication polio? Attend club meetings to hear brief messages about the work being done. Consider ways that you would be able to further contribute to the designated Polio Plus fund Your contribution during World Immunization Week will be tripled, thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The $220 in donations collected at the club meeting on October 8 in conjunction with World Polio Day have been deposited with Rotary International and several members have individually made gifts to supplement this initial giving to bring our total contribution to $550. Our commitment is $1000 with June 30 being the closing date for this commitment. Please join with me in stretching a little further and digging a little deeper to collectively reach our goal. Thank you!
Carol Wood