Rotary’s Fight To Eradicate Polio

In 1985, Rotarians made a promise to the children of the world—we promised them that we would eradicate polio from the face of the earth.  On the day that we made that promise there were 125 countries on 5 continents that were polio-endemic and during the year of 1985 more than 350,000 children—nearly 1,000 children every single day-- were paralyzed by or died as a result of the polio virus.

 

Since 1985 Rotarians have raised more than $2.1 billion for this noble cause and with that money Rotarians have been able to provide polio vaccine to more than 3 billion children.

 

Two of the three strains of polio have been eradicated and only 2 countries remain polio-endemic—Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The World Health Organization estimates that there are now more than 19 million children who today are alive and healthy and running and playing with their friends but who would have been paralyzed by polio but for Rotary’s polio eradication program.

 

The polio vaccine is most often given in conjunction with a vitamin supplement and with vaccines for measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.  The vitamin supplement has been credited with saving the lives of more than 5 million children.  Since 1985 the number of deaths from measles has declined from more than 2 million a year worldwide to fewer than 100,000 a year worldwide.  There have been similar declines in deaths from tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.  Additionally, the surveillance and distribution programs that are in place today as part of Rotary’s polio eradication program have been used to combat ebola and Covid pandemics.

 

To help us reach our dream of a polio-free world, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has agreed to match twice every contribution that is made to Rotary’s polio eradication program.  Madison South Rotary has been one of the leaders in the fight to eradicate polio.

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket Bicycle with Madison South Rotary Club hosted the first annual District 6250 Ride to End Polio. Rocket Bicycle and SBR Endurance provided high-tech bike stands that transform moving bicycles into stationary bicycles, temporarily. Rain or shine Rotary would ride to end polio on November 6th, 2021. From Chippewa Falls to Madison and Mt. Horeb riders came to Verona to mount their bicycles and stay in place. Because the goal is to get to a polio free world, and your bike doesn’t need to move to reach that goal. 

With the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2:1 match, the event raised $81,321 for End Polio efforts!

 

Pints for Polio - 10/24/2019 and 11/15/2021

In just a few hours, $1,689 was raised and with the Gates Foundation match, that total rises to $5,067!

Though the event was much smaller in 2021, we still managed to raise $225 which was then matched to become a $675 donation to End Polio efforts.

Brat Stand Tip Jars