Rotary Awareness: Polio Eradication

Did you know that...

...by 2007, polio cases have fallen 99% worldwide. Since 2004, new surveillance standards and laboratory processes have ensured that every country can detect every circulating poliovirus more rapidly than ever. Every re-infected country has already stopped its outbreak or is on the verge of doing so; since 2006, new international response guidelines stop outbreaks faster than ever. Most importantly, 5 million children are walking who would have been paralyzed and more than 1.5 million lives have been saved.

We can all be proud of the success achieved by Rotary and its world health partners. Polio eradication remains a top priority of Rotary International. District 5110 has earmarked $10,000 this year and $20,000 for 2008-2009 year to match our PolioPlus contributions. The Rotary Foundation trustees have committed to further 50% match for individual contributions and a 100% match for District funds! District clubs and individuals have already raised nearly $7,000 towards the $10,000 goal for this year!

For more information, visit District 5110’s PolioPlus page at http://www.swiftpage4.com/SpeClicks.aspx?Acc=rotary5110.enews&SPCED=C080226173600&LNK=9&UId=430. You can also learn more about the international effort to stop polio by logging on to the recently updated Rotary International website at http://www.swiftpage4.com/SpeClicks.aspx?Acc=rotary5110.enews&SPCED=C080226173600&LNK=10&UId=430 and clicking on the PolioPlus picture.

Update provided by: Claire J. Little, District 5110 PolioPlus Chair