POLIO ALMOST GONE

 

  In 1985, Rotary International set out to create what would become the largest Rotary project ever undertaken - the Eradication of Polio from the Face of the Earth.  Thirty years later and more than a billion dollars, the goal is almost there.  Only 3 countries are polio-endemic:  Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.  These remaining 1% of polio cases are the most difficult to prevent because the virus persists in the hardest-to-reach area,

 

Although polio cases are down 99% worldwide from the 350,000 cases in 1988 to 59 cases - an all time low - in 2015 our work is not done.  For this final push, more money will be required.

 

Bill Gates once said "Rotary Continues to be The Heart and Soul of Polio Eradication".  To that end, through 2018, every US$1 Rotary commits to WHO and UNICEF in direct support for polio immunization will be doubled (up to US$35 million per year) by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

                  

 

Now our members have a chance to easily donate to this worthy cause.  On October 1st, the will be an in-house Foundation Auction, where the proceeds will go to the  Polio Eradication initiative.  To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Polio Plus, it is suggested that each member donate $30 which will be matched by $60 by the Gates Foundation. 

 

With 30 members we should be able to generate $2,700.  To make it easy to donate, all members have to do is show up on October 1st and bid on a wide range of goods and services.