(Press Release) World Polio Day: Rotary continues its work to make Pakistan Polio-Free by Rtn. Shehzad Ahmed
Press Release:
World Polio Day: Rotary continues its work to make Pakistan Polio-Free
(Lahore, Pakistan: 24 October 2009) - In recognition of World Polio Day, Rotarians worldwide are preparing to give final push to eradicate Polio from all over the world. Rotary International is celebrating a major milestone reached in its global fundraising campaign to eradicate polio - nearly US$100 million raised toward its US$200 million challenge.
As part of a US$355 million challenge grant awarded to Rotary by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary clubs worldwide are aiming to raise a total of US$200 million by 2012. The funding will provide critical support to polio eradication activities, including the distribution of a new, more effective bivalent polio vaccine that was recently approved for use in the coming months, for countries still battling the disease in parts of Africa and South Asia.
Since 1985, eradicating polio worldwide has been Rotary's top philanthropic goal. In addition to the funds announced today, Rotary has contributed more than $800 million and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in just four countries -- Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases.
”Polio immunization campaigns have been going on in the country for a long time, and some people felt that Rotarians are getting fatigued. However, this year, Rotarians in Pakistan have revitalized their energies and have re-started polio awareness and immunization campaigns all over the country,” stated District Governor Elect Shehzad Ahmed.
Rotary members, called Rotarians, work as volunteers and also provide much needed social mobilization. Rotary Clubs distributes polio awareness caps and t-shirts among health volunteers. They are also providing specially designed polio awareness stickers and pencils. During the last National Immunization Days (NIDs), Rotary’s polio awareness hoardings were seen in all major cities in Pakistan, courtesy Coca Cola.
To raise awareness and funds for the global push to end polio, Rotary Clubs are conducting activities surrounding World Polio Day. Rotary Club of Lahore Garrison has been actively arranging Polio Awareness Walks and setting up Polio immunization camps. Rotary Clubs of Lahore Midtown, Lahore Faisal Town and Lahore West have also been actively participating in Polio eradication activities. Similarly, Rotary Clubs in other cities are participating in this national cause.
A highly infectious disease, polio causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. After an international investment of more than US$6.22 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first disease of the 21st century to be eradicated.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is spearheaded by Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It includes the support of governments and private sector donors.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. It is comprised of 1.2 million members working in more than 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic regions.
Rotary invites the public to support the polio eradication initiative by visiting rotary.org/endpolio. Please contact District Chair Polio Plus DGE Shehzad Ahmed at rotary@promark.com.pk for getting involved in the fight against Polio in Pakistan.