An Amazing Decrease In Human Suffering

By Carl Good III
 
Rotary's major program, Polio Plus, continues to make impressive advances. Rotary, along with our partners, has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide since the start in 1979 - an amazing decrease in human suffering. Rotarians have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected for life against this crippling disease.
 
Rotary International has recorded $16,860 in donations to Polio Plus to date from District 7910 versus $34,280 at this time last year. Thanks very much to the clubs and individuals who have donated to date. We have a long way to go to meet our goal of $38,000 for the Rotary year that ends this June 30. 
 
Individual donations are very welcome. For The Rotary Foundation Donation Form, with the “Individual” and “Polio Plus Fund” boxes highlighted, click here.
 
Thanks very much for your help. I would appreciate suggestions for raising our donation levels.
 
To learn more on End Polio Nowclick here
 
Worth a listen
 
A recent science podcast interviewed Dr. Jay Wenger, MD (shown, right), director of polio-eradication efforts of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is one of the best descriptions of the program that I have heard – and is worth a listen.
 
Dr. Wenger discusses the history of wild poliovirus, including its devastating medical effects as well as the incredible success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. (Oral polio vaccination has reduced cases around the world by 99.9 percent since 1988.) In addition, they focus on new cases in Nigeria, and why it is more important than ever to focus on final eradication efforts. To support the End Polio Now effort, click here.
 
 
 
Virtual-reality films bring a new dimension to polio fight  
 
At this year’s World Polio Day celebration in Atlanta, Rotary harnessed the power of virtual-reality technology to build empathy and inspire action in our fight to eradicate polio.
 
Learn more about the filmsclick here.
 
To watch the video of World Polio Day in Atlantaclick here.
 
If you are had an event for World Polio Day (or Week) last fall, please send me a brief description. We are keeping track of the events. 
 
 
Carl Good III, chair of the District Polio Subcommittee, may be reached at carlgood@yahoo.com.