Why we care about Polio, who Rotarians are we and what Rotarians do?
(Newsletter infomercial Taken from TRF website on ending polio and compiled by Watertown Rotarian Don Klug)
Unless we eradicate polio within 10 years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. Only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve vaccinated every child. Rotary began an initiative in 1979 to raise funds to be used to provide the oral vaccine to the world’s children with the goal to eradicate Polio. We are not alone. Rotary International is in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Who is Affected?
- Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
- There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
- Only two countries remain endemic, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988.
- Until we end polio forever, every child is at risk.
The only way to end polio is together. Containing polio to just 2 countries is a tremendous achievement, and proof of what is possible when we come together. Bill Gates, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, stated, “The world’s progress in fighting polio might be one of the best-kept secrets in global health. Help us shine a spotlight on polio by advocating, fundraising, and educating on the need to end polio now”.
Who We Are: Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Rotary members number 1.2 million strong in 35,000+ clubs world- wide, all working together. Rotary began an initiative in 1979 to raise funds to be used to provide the oral vaccine to the world’s children.
What we do: We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe. We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways. We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions.
We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.
We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe.
Rotary began an initiative in 1979 to raise funds to be used to provide the oral vaccine to the world’s children with the goal to eradicate Polio. We are not alone. Rotary International is in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
The Rotary Club of Watertown began raising funds to be used in the fight against Polio in 1985. Since 2013, our club has used an event called Swimarathon, conducted at the local YMCA each February as a fundraising event that donates 100% of all funds to The Rotary Foundation PolioPlus initiative that provides oral vaccine to children worldwide. Each swimmer seeks out donations from fellow Rotarians, friends and community members by promising to swim laps in the pool. A donation of $100 will provide the oral vaccine to 167 children. For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. conversation in your community.