Last week was World Polio Day and the Eastern Cape Rotary Clubs are joining millions around the globe to highlight the significant strides made towards eradicating polio.
This year’s theme, “End Polio Now,” emphasises the unremitting effort and dedication needed to combat this life-threatening disease.
Since its launch of the Polioplus programme in 1985, Rotary International has led the polio eradication campaign through resolute immunisation efforts, awareness drives, and remarkable fundraising initiatives around the world. These efforts have proven to be indispensable in reducing polio cases by 99.9% worldwide.
In this ongoing battle, the lasting contributions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have made an extraordinary difference. The Foundation’s unwavering commitment, reflected in their 2-to-1 matching grant, has exponentially increased the funds available for polio eradication initiatives. For every dollar donated by Rotary, the Gates Foundation matched with two additional dollars and in so doing, amplified the impact of donations in the lives of all affected by this potentially devasting condition.
Through consistent support of vaccination drives, advocacy, and community engagement, the Eastern Cape Rotary Clubs have been champions for change in the global polio eradication efforts.
A shining example of the End Polio Now drive is the Rotary Club of East London’s armband fundraiser. Tens of thousands of armbands were distributed and sold for R20 throughout the District Interact and Earlyact Clubs (the youth arms of Rotary at school level). This fundraiser is making a significant impact in raising awareness AND generating funds for the End Polio Now campaign.
While we celebrate the progress made, the fight against polio is not yet over. Many more children deserve to be protected from this crippling disease which is why the Eastern Cape Rotary Clubs call on the public, policymakers, and all stakeholders to accelerate their support. Our end goal is in sight and with sustained effort and unwavering commitment, we can end polio, now. / TN
For more information on how you can strengthen the global network’s strides to eradicating polio, contact Pam Way, Director of Public Image of the Rotary Club of East London, on 082-851-5525 or rcelsecretary@gmail.com
