“GOOD NEWS”  -   POLIO ERADICATION WORLD-WIDE

The Really Good News has been the $200 million given in the form of a challenge to the Worlds Rotary Clubs by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Their Foundation has provided $100 million to be matched by the 33,000 Rotary Clubs over the next three years.

These funds, along with additional funds provided by many governments of the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, and India, will be used to continue the fight against Polio. This fight has been orchestrated by the World Health Organization with the support of the United States Center for Disease Control, and the UNICEF working with health officials in the endemic countries and other developing countries. With only two drops of polio vaccine to every child at risk finally beating the wild polio virus that has crippled and killed so many over the centuries. Only four countries, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria still have reported cases in remote and war torn areas.

Rotary began the final assault on Polio over 25 years ago. At this moment, we are close – very close to achieving our goal. But the “War on Polio” will not be won until the last case is gone. This must be done as quickly as possible.

Each Rotary Club in District 5100 has been asked to raise $110.00 per member over the three years.  This will result in $462,000 raised in this District alone.  The 33,000 Rotary Clubs around the World can, in this manner, match the Gates’ Foundation’s generous grant.

Will you join District 5100 as a partner in our efforts to support the battle to eradicate polio and give the world’s children a Polio-free life?