Nearly 50 Rotary members from across Great Britain and Ireland are flying to India this month, to immunise millions of children against polio. The trip is particularly poignant as India has not reported any new cases of the disease since 13th January 2011.
Rotarians will be helping fellow volunteers in the latest National Immunisaton Day (NID), by setting up some of the thousands of vaccination booths in Delhi and then immunise millions of children in one day.
End Polio Now, Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio, has succeeded in cutting cases of the disease by 99-percent. In partnership with WHO, CDC and Unicef and also securing the backing of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the campaign has saved the lives of billions of children.
Trip organiser, Rotarian Mike Yates, says the 13th of January milestone is very important: “Over 25 years ago, India reported hundreds of cases a month. Now, provided that tests come back indicating no new cases, we are visiting a country which may be about to have its endemic status removed by the World Health Organisation. This is largely thanks to the work of Rotary, in partnership with health agencies.
“Since making the pledge in 1985 to eradicate polio worldwide, Rotarians have combated polio all over the world. We raise funds, we are mobilised in affected areas and administer the vaccine, we work with local cultures to offer reassurance and build trust."
Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) President Ray Burman says Rotarians are determined and committed people: “When we set our mind on something, there is very little which will stop us. We said we would eradicate polio from the world so that no child would ever suffer from infantile paralysis, deformed limbs and a lifetime of pain. That promise is as strong now as it has ever been.
“Thanks to the support and trust of the public, the fundraising which has been achieved has helped to continue the mass immunisation drives in the endemic countries. Everyone can be involved with this project. You can join your local Rotary club or donate to End Polio Now. Just 20pence can buy a dose of the vaccine which can save a child’s life.”
For more information, contact your local Rotary club.
