In the mid 1980s, Polio was virtually eliminated from the United States and several other “First World” nations; but the virus still infected an estimated 338,000 people annually, leaving death, disfigurement and permanent disability in its wake. It was about that time that Rotary International and individual Rotary clubs around the world took on the bold task of eliminating Polio from the face of the Earth.
Further violence interrupted the polio vaccination process in parts of Pakistan last week, but the Pakistani government still plans to persevere in the effort to eradicate polio.
Yesterday, six vaccination workers, all women, were gunned down in Pakistan due to their involvement in the polio eradication effort.
Rotary is in the final planning process of organizing a trip of about 35 people to travel to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, India in February 2013.
Wild Poliovirus Weekly Update – World Health Organization Week Ending 17 October 2012 Total number of cases in 2011 YTD: 467 Total number of cases in 2012 YTD” 171 (includes 5 in non-endemic countries) General Polio Headlines – Week Ending 17 October 2012 World Polio Day is October 24. This is the first year that India has been excluded from the list of countries where polio is endemic. In the past year, since World Polio Day 2011, there have been 171 new cases of polio as opposed to 467 a year ago. Endemic Country Headlines – Week Ending 17 October 2012 Afghanistan: Four new cases – total for 2012 is 25. “National Immunization Days were held during 14-16 October. The launch of this campaign coincided with Global Handwashing day. Polio information was distributed to children at this time.” Nigeria: Four new cases – total for 2012 is 97. “A second-round immunization campaign, in response to the recent Taraba WPV4 case, is planned for 20-23 October.” Pakistan One new case – total for 2012 is 44. “In response to recent cases, mop-opus were conducted last week in key areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab, targeting more than a milliaon children under the age of five years.”
Do you know of a Rotarian who has committed themselves whole-heartedly to the effort to eradicate Polio? Doesn’t that person deserve special recognition for the extended and persistent effort they have made on this vitally important mission? As a Rotarian, this is your opportunity to seek such public recognition for that person. Rotary International is to soon present Service Awards for a Polio-Free World, and you can nominate a Rotarian you know to be so deserving. Here are the easy steps to take: Go to this web site and read about the award guidelines. Go to this web site and fill out the application form. Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2012, electronically to firstname.lastname@example.org or faxed to (847) 556-2189. Any Rotarian can nominate any other Rotarian. Don’t let the Polio Avenger in your life go unnoticed. Your club, your community and your district will be proud should they be awarded this monumental honor. Mark Pearce Governor 2012-13
Dear Governor, In a recent opinion piece, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned of the global polio threat: “Wild viruses and wildfires have two things in common. If neglected, they can spread out of control. If handled properly, they can be stamped out for good. Today, the flame of polio is near extinction — but sparks in three countries threaten to ignite a global blaze. Now is the moment to act.” Rotarians have been acting to stamp out polio for the last 26 years, but our work is not yet done. Please note the recent developments in the fight against polio which highlight the need for urgent action: At their May meeting, The World Health Assembly (WHA) declared the completion of polio eradication a programmatic emergency for global public health. In total, 35 member states spoke to offer their strong support to the resolution, many highlighting the feasibility and opportunity of eradication in the near-term, but expressing concern at the ongoing funding gap that is threatening success. The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation recently r